(ようりょう)

ようりょう
noun
knack, essentials; gist
cognition
See also: 容量(ようりょう) (capacity)
1. knack, trick, key point of doing something
The essential skill or technique needed to do something effectively. Often used with verbs like つかむ or ()る to describe learning how to do something well.
要領(ようりょう)つかむ。
Get the knack of it.
People who are quick at picking things up improve fast.
I struggled at first, but after getting the knack of it, the work became much faster.
2. gist, main points, essentials, outline
The key points or summary of a matter. Used in formal or administrative contexts for guidelines, instructions, or outlines of procedures.
(はなし)要領(ようりょう)()ない
I can't grasp the gist of the story.
Please proceed with the process according to the implementation guidelines.
The Course of Study guidelines are revised approximately every ten years.

Usage

The expression 要領(ようりょう)いい describes someone who is good at picking things up quickly or who works efficiently. Conversely, 要領(ようりょう)(わる) means clumsy or inefficient. 要領(ようりょう)いい can also carry a slightly negative nuance of being cunning or cutting corners skillfully.

The set phrase 要領(ようりょう)()ない means "not getting to the point" or "hard to follow," used when someone's explanation is vague or roundabout.

Common collocations