Translation guide
The English word "channel" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a TV/radio channel, a water channel, a communication channel, and the English Channel. It also notes the verb meaning of directing something through a channel.
Referring to a television or radio station or frequency.
The most common and direct translation for TV/radio channels. Used in everyday conversation.
このチャンネルは何を放送していますか？
What is this channel broadcasting?
チャンネルを変えてもいい？
Can I change the channel?
Refers to a broadcasting station or network. Often used in compound words like テレビ局 (TV station).
この番組はどの局でやってるの？
Which channel is this program on?
A man-made or natural passage for water, like a canal, ditch, or strait.
General term for a waterway, canal, or channel. Used for both natural and artificial passages.
この水路は農業用水として使われています。
This channel is used for agricultural water.
Specifically a canal, an artificial waterway for boats or irrigation.
A strait or channel between two land masses, like the English Channel.
A medium or method for conveying information, such as official routes or platforms.
Refers to a route or channel for communication, often in formal or business contexts.
正式な経路を通じて申請してください。
Please apply through official channels.
Loanword used in business or tech contexts for communication channels, like marketing channels.
Means or medium; can be used for communication channels in a broader sense.
The specific body of water between England and France.
The standard Japanese name for the English Channel.
イギリス海峡を泳いで渡る人もいます。
Some people swim across the English Channel.
To direct or guide something, like energy, money, or effort, through a particular route.
To direct or turn something towards a target. Often used with effort, attention, or resources.
エネルギーを仕事に向ける。
Channel energy into work.
To pour or concentrate something, like effort or money, into a channel. Implies a strong focus.
To let flow or direct something like water, electricity, or information.
チャンネル refers to the specific frequency or number (e.g., channel 4), while 局 refers to the broadcasting station or network (e.g., NHK). In casual speech, チャンネル is more common for changing channels.
チャンネルを4に合わせて。
Tune to channel 4.
あの局のニュースは信頼できる。
That channel's news is reliable.
チャンネル is only for TV/radio or sometimes tech communication channels. For water channels, use 水路, 運河, or 海峡 depending on the context.
The Panama Canal is an important channel.
ドーバー海峡はイギリスとフランスの間にあります。
The Strait of Dover is between England and France.
Develop new sales channels.
Use email as a channel of communication.
Channel funds into education.
Channel information to the appropriate department.