What two-word title was Pokémon originally abbreviated from in Japan?

Pokémon was originally abbreviated from the two-word title “Pocket Monsters” in Japan.

The Japanese franchise name is Poketto Monsutā, commonly translated as Pocket Monsters. The shortened form Pokémon became the international title, with an acute accent added to the e to guide pronunciation in many languages.

During early development, Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak initially called the project Capsule Monsters. That name could not be trademarked, so the project was renamed Pocket Monsters. The title reflected the idea that creatures could be stored in small devices and carried by players.

English-language audiences usually encounter Pokémon as the complete brand name rather than as an abbreviation. The word Pokémon also refers both to the franchise and to the individual fictional creatures; its plural form is Pokémon, not Pokémons.