Translation guide
A line made of dots, often used in forms, diagrams, or to indicate a path. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 点線 (てんせん).
The most common meaning: a line consisting of a series of dots, used in drawings, forms, or to indicate a route.
The standard word for 'dotted line' in most contexts, such as in diagrams, maps, or forms.
点線に沿って切ってください。
Please cut along the dotted line.
地図上の点線は国境を示しています。
The dotted line on the map indicates the border.
Technically refers to a dashed line (with short segments), but often used interchangeably with 点線 in casual contexts. In technical drawing, 破線 is a dashed line, while 点線 is a dotted line.
この破線は隠れた部分を表します。
This dashed line indicates the hidden part.
Specifically the dotted line on documents or coupons indicating where to sign or detach.
Literally 'cut-off line', used for perforated or dotted lines on forms, tickets, etc.
切り取り線から切り離してください。
Please detach along the dotted line.
Also used for dotted lines on forms, but 切り取り線 is more specific for detachable parts.
A dotted line representing a trail, boundary, or route on a map or diagram.
The standard term for a dotted line on a map.
点線のルートをたどってください。
Please follow the dotted route.
Metaphorical use, such as 'the dotted line between sanity and madness' or 'signing on the dotted line' (agreeing to a contract).
Japanese can use 点線 in metaphors, but it's less common than in English. Often a more natural translation avoids the metaphor.
正気と狂気の境界線は点線のように曖昧だ。
The boundary between sanity and madness is as vague as a dotted line.
For 'sign on the dotted line', the natural Japanese is simply 'sign the contract' without mentioning the line.
彼はついに契約書にサインした。
He finally signed on the dotted line.
点線 (てんせん) is a line of dots, while 破線 (はせん) is a dashed line (short segments). In everyday use, 点線 is more common for dotted lines, but in technical contexts (engineering, design), the distinction is important.
The most natural phrase is 点線に沿って切ってください (てんせんに そって きって ください). For detachable parts, 切り取り線 (きりとりせん) is often used on the line itself.
点線の上に署名してください。
Please sign on the dotted line.