Translation guide
The act of converting coded, obscure, or illegible text into understandable language. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 解読 (kaidoku), but the best choice depends on whether you are dealing with codes, ancient scripts, messy handwriting, or figurative understanding.
To convert a coded message into plain text using a key or algorithm.
The standard term for deciphering codes, cryptograms, or encrypted data. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
暗号を解読する。
Decipher a code.
彼は敵の暗号文を解読した。
He deciphered the enemy's coded message.
Technical term for decoding or decryption, often used in computer science and cryptography. Pairs with 暗号化 (encryption).
データを復号する。
Decrypt the data.
Loanword from English, used mainly in computing contexts (e.g., decoding a video file). Not typically used for manual codebreaking.
動画をデコードする。
Decode the video.
To make out what is written when the handwriting is unclear.
Specifically means to decipher or make out difficult handwriting or faint characters. Commonly used for old documents or scribbled notes.
彼の字は汚くて判読できない。
His handwriting is so messy I can't decipher it.
古文書を判読する。
Decipher an ancient document.
Can also be used for illegible writing, but 判読 is more precise. 解読 implies extracting meaning, not just recognizing characters.
To figure out the meaning of a writing system or language that is not immediately understood, such as hieroglyphics or ancient characters.
The general term for deciphering unknown scripts, like Egyptian hieroglyphs or Linear B.
ヒエログリフを解読する。
Decipher hieroglyphics.
Used when the focus is on making out the shapes of ancient characters, especially when they are worn or damaged.
To understand a confusing situation, hidden meaning, or complex information.
Metaphorically used for deciphering complex texts, instructions, or someone's intentions.
彼の真意を解読するのは難しい。
It's hard to decipher his true intentions.
Literally 'read and unravel'. Used for interpreting complex texts, data, or situations by analyzing them deeply.
データを読み解く。
Decipher the data.
彼の言葉の裏を読み解く。
Read between the lines of his words.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to get the meaning' of something confusing. Less formal than 解読.
この文章、意味が取れない。
I can't decipher this sentence.
解読 (kaidoku) is the broadest term for deciphering meaning from codes, scripts, or obscure text. 判読 (handoku) specifically means making out illegible or unclear characters. 復号 (fukugō) is a technical term for decryption in cryptography and computing.
暗号を解読する。
Decipher a code.
汚い字を判読する。
Decipher messy handwriting.
暗号化されたファイルを復号する。
Decrypt an encrypted file.
デコード (dekōdo) is a loanword used almost exclusively in technical computing contexts (e.g., decoding a video stream). Using it for deciphering a code or handwriting sounds unnatural.
× 暗号をデコードする。
Unnatural for 'decipher a code'.
○ 暗号を解読する。
Natural way to say 'decipher a code'.
走り書きを解読する。
Decipher the scribbled note.
石碑の文字を判読する。
Decipher the characters on the stone monument.