Translation guide
A traditional relief printing technique using a press to transfer ink from raised type or images onto paper. This guide covers how to refer to the technique, the equipment, and related terms in Japanese.
Referring to letterpress printing as a craft or printing method.
The standard term for letterpress printing. Literally 'movable type printing', it encompasses the entire process.
彼は活版印刷のワークショップに参加した。
He attended a letterpress printing workshop.
Short for 活版印刷, often used in compound words or when the context is clear.
活版で名刺を作りました。
I made business cards with letterpress.
Loanword from English, commonly used in design and craft contexts, especially among younger generations.
レタープレスの招待状が人気です。
Letterpress invitations are popular.
Referring to the physical printing press used for letterpress.
A letterpress printing machine. Can refer to both hand-operated and automated presses.
この活版印刷機は100年前のものです。
This letterpress printing machine is 100 years old.
Abbreviation of 活版印刷機, common in industry settings.
活版機のメンテナンスは大変だ。
Maintaining a letterpress machine is tough.
Referring to the individual pieces of type used in letterpress.
Movable type; individual letters or characters used in letterpress printing.
活字を拾って組版する。
Pick out type and compose the form.
Referring to something that has been printed using letterpress.
Use this pattern to describe something as letterpress-printed. Attach the item after の.
活版印刷のカードを集めています。
I collect letterpress-printed cards.
活版印刷 is the traditional Japanese term and is understood by all generations. レタープレス is a loanword often used in modern craft and design circles, and may carry a slightly more stylish or niche connotation. In formal or technical contexts, 活版印刷 is preferred.