Translation guide
The English word 'mode' covers several distinct concepts: a method or manner of doing something, a setting on a device, a state of operation, and specialized uses in music, statistics, and grammar. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing the way something is done, often in formal or technical contexts.
General word for 'method' or 'way'. Suitable for most contexts.
新しい輸送方法を開発した。
We developed a new mode of transportation.
Often used for systems, formats, or established methods, like a payment method or communication system.
この支払い方式は便利です。
This mode of payment is convenient.
Refers to a style, form, or fixed pattern, often in art, architecture, or formal procedures.
建築様式が独特だ。
The architectural mode is unique.
Referring to a selectable operating state, such as on a camera, phone, or appliance.
The loanword 'mode' is widely used for device settings (e.g., airplane mode, silent mode).
スマホを機内モードにしてください。
Please put your smartphone in airplane mode.
Means 'setting' and can be used when 'mode' implies a configuration choice.
Describing a system's current state, such as 'standby mode' or 'emergency mode'.
General word for 'state' or 'condition'. Often combined with another noun.
システムは待機状態です。
The system is in standby mode.
Also used for operational states, especially in technical contexts.
Referring to a specific scale type in music theory, like major or minor.
The standard music theory term for 'mode' (e.g., Dorian mode).
ドリア旋法は教会旋法の一つです。
The Dorian mode is one of the church modes.
The loanword is also understood among musicians, but 旋法 is more precise.
この曲はミクソリディアンモードだ。
This song is in Mixolydian mode.
The value that appears most often in a data set.
The standard statistical term for 'mode'.
このデータの最頻値は5です。
The mode of this data is 5.
Sometimes used in casual or introductory contexts, but 最頻値 is preferred in formal settings.
A category of verb forms expressing modality, such as indicative, subjunctive, or imperative.
The linguistic term for 'mood' (e.g., 仮定法 subjunctive mood). Note: 'mode' is sometimes used synonymously with 'mood' in grammar.
仮定法は英語でsubjunctive modeとも呼ばれる。
The subjunctive mood is also called the subjunctive mode in English.
方法 (ほうほう) is the most general 'method'. 方式 (ほうしき) implies a systematic or established method, often used for technical systems. 様式 (ようしき) refers to a fixed style or form, especially in arts or formal documents.
支払い方法を選んでください。
Please select a payment method.
新しい通信方式を導入する。
Introduce a new communication mode.
申請書の様式に従って記入する。
Fill out according to the application form's format.
While モード is common for device settings, using it for abstract 'methods' can sound unnatural. Stick to 方法 or 方式 for non-device contexts.
カメラの設定を変える。
Change the camera mode.
Switch to emergency mode.
The mode is the most frequent value.