Translation guide
The English word 'backup' can refer to a reserve copy of data, a substitute person or thing, or the act of supporting someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a copy of digital data kept for safety, or the act of making such a copy.
To refer to a person or item kept ready in case the main one is unavailable.
General word for substitute or replacement. Can be used for people or things.
To express giving support or reinforcement to someone, often in a collaborative context.
Formal word for support or backing. Often used in business, technical, or military contexts.
While バックアップ can sometimes mean support, it is primarily used for data. For supporting a person, use サポート or 支援 instead.
The most common and direct loanword for data backup. Used as both a noun and a suru-verb.
データのバックアップを取ってください。
Please make a backup of the data.
毎日バックアップしています。
I back up every day.
Means 'spare' or 'reserve'. Can be used for backup copies, but is less specific to digital data.
予備のファイルを保存しておく。
Keep a backup file saved.
彼が病気なら、代わりを探さないと。
If he's sick, we need to find a backup.
このペンが壊れたときのために、代わりを持ってきて。
Bring a backup pen in case this one breaks.
Often used for a backup person, especially in sports or work contexts. Implies someone waiting on standby.
控えの選手が準備している。
The backup player is getting ready.
Can also mean a spare item kept as backup, like a spare key or battery.
予備の鍵を玄関のマットの下に置いてある。
I keep a backup key under the doormat.
技術支援が必要です。
We need technical backup.
Common loanword for support. Can be used for emotional, technical, or logistical backup.
いつもサポートしてくれてありがとう。
Thanks for always backing me up.
Literally 'become a backing shield'. Means to provide strong backing or support, often from a position of power.
彼は有力者の後ろ盾を得た。
He got backup from an influential person.