Translation guide
The English phrase 'be omitted' refers to something being left out, excluded, or not included. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and grammatical patterns depending on what is omitted and the context. The most common and versatile verb is 省略される (shōryaku sareru), used for intentional omission of details, steps, or words. Other options include 抜かす (nukasu) for skipping parts, 省く (habuku) for omitting to save time/effort, and 脱落する (datsuraku suru) for accidental omission. In grammar, particles or subjects are often 'omitted' naturally in Japanese, which is better described as 'not stated' rather than 'omitted'.
To say that something is left out on purpose, such as details, steps, or parts of a text.
The most common and neutral way to say 'be omitted'. It implies intentional omission of something considered unnecessary or already understood. Used for words, steps, details, etc.
この文では主語が省略されている。
The subject is omitted in this sentence.
詳しい説明は省略された。
The detailed explanation was omitted.
Passive form of 省く (habuku), meaning 'to be omitted' with a nuance of cutting out something to save time, effort, or space. Often used for steps in a process or unnecessary details.
時間がないので、その手順は省かれた。
Since there was no time, that step was omitted.
Passive form of 抜かす (nukasu), meaning 'to be skipped' or 'left out', often implying something was missed or intentionally skipped in a sequence.
彼の名前がリストから抜かされていた。
His name was omitted from the list.
Means 'to be excluded' or 'left out' from a group or category. More formal and deliberate than 省略される.
その項目は対象から除外された。
That item was omitted from the scope.
To say that something was accidentally not included, such as a name on a list or a word in a text.
Literally 'is missing', this is the most natural way to say something was accidentally omitted. It describes the state of being absent.
このリストには彼の名前が抜けている。
His name is omitted from this list.
文の最後の言葉が抜けているよ。
The last word of the sentence is omitted.
Means 'has been dropped' or 'is missing', often used for accidental omission in a list or sequence. Slightly formal.
名簿から彼の名前が脱落している。
His name is omitted from the roster.
Means 'has been left out' or 'is missing', often due to oversight. Common in business or formal contexts.
報告書に重要なデータが漏れている。
Important data is omitted from the report.
To describe the natural omission of words (like subjects or particles) in Japanese sentences, which is not an error but a feature of the language.
In Japanese, subjects and particles are often left out when clear from context. This is not considered 'omission' in the same sense as English; it's the default. Avoid translating 'be omitted' literally for grammar; instead, explain that Japanese often doesn't state the subject.
Do not use 省略される for natural ellipsis of subjects/particles unless emphasizing a conscious choice. It's better to say 言わなくてもわかる (it's understood without saying).
日本語では、主語がよく省略されるというより、もともと明示しないことが多い。
In Japanese, subjects are often not stated rather than 'omitted'.
A phrase meaning 'it's understood without saying (the subject)'. Useful for explaining why something is omitted.
この文では主語は言わなくてもわかるので省略されている。
In this sentence, the subject is omitted because it's understood without saying.
English speakers often say 'the subject is omitted' when describing Japanese sentences. However, in Japanese, it's more natural to think of the subject as simply not being stated unless necessary. Using 省略される for this can sound like something was deliberately removed. Instead, use phrases like 「主語がなくても自然です」 (It's natural even without a subject).
省く (habuku) means to omit something to save time/effort, often in processes. 省略する (shōryaku suru) is more general and can be used for words, explanations, etc. 抜かす (nukasu) means to skip something in a sequence, like a step or a name on a list. 抜かす can be intentional or accidental, while 省く and 省略する are usually intentional.
時間を省くために説明を省略した。
I omitted the explanation to save time.
うっかり彼の名前を抜かしてしまった。
I accidentally omitted his name.
この部分は省略できます。
This part can be omitted.
彼の名前がリストから抜けていた。
His name was omitted from the list.
日本語では主語がよく省略されます。
In Japanese, subjects are often omitted.
This is acceptable but see usage note about natural ellipsis.