Translation guide
The process of interpreting or extracting meaning from something encoded, such as a message, signal, or language. In Japanese, the translation depends on the context: deciphering a code, interpreting a meaning, or converting data.
To convert an encoded message back into plain text or understandable form.
The most common term for decoding a cipher, code, or encrypted message. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
彼は暗号を解読した。
He decoded the cipher.
このメッセージを解読するのは難しい。
Decoding this message is difficult.
Often used in technical contexts like cryptography or data encoding. Implies restoring to original form.
データを復号するには鍵が必要です。
You need a key to decode the data.
Loanword from English, used mainly in computing and digital media (e.g., decoding video/audio).
動画をデコードするのに時間がかかる。
It takes time to decode the video.
To figure out the hidden or implied meaning behind words, actions, or situations.
Literally 'read and unravel'. Used for interpreting complex texts, situations, or people's intentions.
彼女の表情を読み解くのは難しい。
It's hard to decode her facial expressions.
この詩を読み解くには背景知識が必要だ。
You need background knowledge to decode this poem.
General term for interpreting or construing meaning. Can be used for decoding messages, but broader.
彼の言葉をどう解釈すればいいかわからない。
I don't know how to decode his words.
To grasp the meaning, often from subtle hints. Emphasizes understanding the underlying intent.
彼の本音を汲み取るのは大変だ。
Decoding his true feelings is tough.
To transform digital signals or data from one format to another, such as from binary to text.
Standard term in computing for decoding data. Often used for decryption or format conversion.
このプログラムはBase64を復号化します。
This program decodes Base64.
Common in programming and multimedia contexts. Often used as a verb (デコードする).
To make sense of something that is initially incomprehensible, like a foreign language or specialized terminology.
Simple and common. 'Decoding' in this sense is just 'understanding'.
彼の専門用語を理解するのに苦労した。
I struggled to decode his technical jargon.
Can be used metaphorically for deciphering difficult language.
彼の下手な字を解読するのは一苦労だ。
Decoding his bad handwriting is a chore.
解読 (kaidoku) is the general term for deciphering codes or illegible writing. 復号 (fukugō) is more technical, used in cryptography and data restoration. デコード (dekōdo) is a loanword used in computing and media. For everyday 'figuring out meaning', 読み解く (yomitoku) or 理解する (rikai suru) are more natural.
MP3ファイルをデコードして再生する。
Decode and play the MP3 file.