Translation guide
The English word "moderator" refers to a person who facilitates discussion, enforces rules, or oversees content. Japanese uses different terms depending on the context: formal meetings, online communities, TV/radio, or academic settings.
A person who leads a discussion, ensures everyone gets a turn, and keeps the conversation on track, often in conferences, debates, or meetings.
The most common and neutral term for a moderator or chairperson of a meeting, discussion, or event. It implies the person who manages the proceedings.
彼女は会議の司会者を務めた。
She acted as the moderator of the meeting.
Refers to the act of moderating or the role itself. Often used in phrases like 司会をする (to moderate).
彼が司会を担当します。
He will be in charge of moderating.
Literally 'progress person', used for someone who facilitates the flow of a meeting or event, often in a more procedural sense.
進行役が次の議題を発表した。
The moderator announced the next agenda item.
A person who enforces rules, removes inappropriate content, and manages discussions in an online space like a forum, social media group, or chat.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in online contexts. Often shortened to モデ (mode) in casual settings.
モデレーターが不適切な投稿を削除した。
The moderator deleted the inappropriate post.
Literally 'administrator' or 'manager', often used for the person who runs a forum or website. Can imply broader powers than just moderation.
Slang term for a forum moderator, short for 掲示板の主 (owner of the bulletin board). Used in some online communities.
板主がスレッドを閉鎖した。
The mod closed the thread.
A person who leads a broadcast program, introduces guests, and manages the flow of conversation on air.
Same as for formal discussions, but also the standard term for a TV/radio host who moderates a panel or talk show.
その番組の司会者は有名なタレントだ。
The moderator of that program is a famous celebrity.
Abbreviation for 'master of ceremonies', commonly used in Japanese for a host or moderator of events and TV shows.
彼はイベントのMCを務めた。
He served as the MC/moderator of the event.
A person who moderates an academic conference, panel, or debate, often with expertise in the subject.
Chairperson or moderator of a conference session or symposium. Common in academic and professional settings.
座長が質疑応答の時間を管理した。
The moderator managed the Q&A session.
Also used in academic contexts, but 座長 is more specific to chaired sessions.
司会者 is the general term for a moderator or host in meetings, TV, and events. モデレーター is specifically for online forums or sometimes academic panels. 座長 is used for academic conference sessions. Choose based on context.
The English word 'moderator' is not always directly translated. In many online communities, the loanword モデレーター is used, but in formal settings, 司会者 or 座長 is more natural. Using モデレーター for a meeting chairperson would sound odd.
掲示板の管理人が書き込みをチェックしている。
The forum moderator is checking the posts.
I took on the role of moderator for the academic conference.