序論(じょろん)

じょろん
noun
introduction; preface (of a thesis or essay)
formaleducation
1. introduction; preface; preamble
The opening section of a thesis, essay, or academic work that presents the topic, purpose, and scope. Used primarily in academic and formal writing contexts.
序論(じょろん)を書(か)く。
To write an introduction.
論文(ろんぶん)の序論(じょろん)で研究(けんきゅう)の目的(もくてき)を述(の)べた。
I stated the purpose of the research in the introduction of the thesis.
序論(じょろん)・本論(ほんろん)・結論(けつろん)の三(さん)つに分(わ)けて書(か)きなさい。
Write it divided into three parts: introduction, main body, and conclusion.
この本(ほん)の序論(じょろん)だけでも読(よ)む価値(かち)がある。
Even just the introduction of this book is worth reading.

Composed of 序(じょ) (preface, order) and 論(ろん) (argument, essay). Refers specifically to the introductory section of an academic paper or formal essay, where the writer sets out the background, purpose, and scope of the work.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 序文(じょぶん): preface, foreword — written by the author before the main text; less academic than 序論(じょろん)
  • 前書(まえが)き: foreword, preface — a more casual opening note
  • 導入(どうにゅう): introduction — broader term; can also mean introducing a system or concept, not just a written section
  • イントロ: intro — casual loanword abbreviation, often used for music

Related Words

Related: 概論(がいろん) (introduction (academic overview))
Compare: 序文(じょぶん) (preface, foreword)
Compare: 前書(まえが)き (foreword, preface)
Compare: 導入(どうにゅう) (introduction)
Compare: イントロ (intro)
Compare: 前文(ぜんぶん) (preamble)
Compare: 導入部(どうにゅうぶ) (introduction)
Compare: 序説(じょせつ) (introduction)
Compare: 総論(そうろん) (general remarks)
general
Added 2026.4.9 6:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
23000/23169_joron