Translation guide
A compact disc used for storing digital data, especially music. In Japanese, the term is almost always referred to as 'CD' (シーディー), borrowed directly from English. This guide covers how to talk about CDs in natural Japanese.
CD
CD
Referring to the physical disc or the medium in general.
The standard term, used in all contexts. Pronounced 'shīdī'.
このCDはとてもいいアルバムだ。
This CD is a really good album.
CDを買う人は減っている。
The number of people buying CDs is decreasing.
The full Japanese term, but rarely used in everyday speech. More common in technical or formal contexts.
コンパクトディスクは1980年代に普及した。
Compact discs became widespread in the 1980s.
Referring to the device that plays CDs.
The standard term for a CD player.
古いCDプレーヤーがまだ動く。
My old CD player still works.
Talking about music released on CD, or comparing formats.
Used to say 'on CD' or 'in CD format'.
そのアルバムはCDで出ている。
That album is available on CD.
CDで聴くのと配信で聴くのでは音が違う。
Listening on CD and listening via streaming sound different.
Actions related to creating a CD.
Colloquial for 'burn a CD'. Very common.
友達にCDを焼いてあげた。
I burned a CD for my friend.
More technical term for 'write to a CD'.
データをCDに書き込む方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to write data to a CD.
Referring to a store or area selling CDs.
A shop specializing in CDs.
駅前に新しいCDショップができた。
A new CD shop opened in front of the station.
The CD section within a larger store.
本屋のCDコーナーで探してみる。
I'll look in the CD section of the bookstore.
CD is pronounced シーディー (shīdī), with a long 'i' in both syllables. Avoid pronouncing it as 'see-dee' with short vowels.
CD is not used for 'certificate of deposit' in Japanese; that would be 定期預金証書 (ていきよきんしょうしょ) or simply explained. In everyday Japanese, CD almost always means the disc.
私はまだCDを買います。
I still buy CDs.
これ、CDでありますか？
Do you have this on CD?