Translation guide
The English phrase "original text" refers to the source material from which a translation, adaptation, or copy is made. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering common words for source documents, manuscripts, and base texts.
The original document or text that serves as the basis for a translation, quotation, or reference.
The most common and general term for 'original text', used for the source text of a translation, or the original wording of a document.
この翻訳は原文に忠実です。
This translation is faithful to the original text.
原文を参照してください。
Please refer to the original text.
Refers to the original source or classic text, often used in academic or literary contexts when citing the authoritative version.
この引用は原典に当たって確認した。
I checked this quotation against the original text.
A more casual, explanatory phrase meaning 'the original sentences/writing'. Useful in everyday conversation.
元の文章をそのままコピーしないでください。
Please don't copy the original text as is.
Specifically refers to the original work or book, often used for literary or scholarly works before translation.
この本は原著の第3版の翻訳です。
This book is a translation of the third edition of the original text.
The first version of a written work, such as an author's manuscript before editing or publication.
Refers to a manuscript or draft, the original text written by an author before publication.
作家の原稿が図書館に保存されている。
The author's original manuscript is preserved in the library.
The original book or document, often used for legal or historical documents, emphasizing the authentic physical copy.
Emphasizing the unaltered original as opposed to an edited, abridged, or adapted version.
A common phrase meaning 'as in the original text' or 'unchanged from the original'.
この部分は原文のまま残した。
I left this part as in the original text.
Means 'exactly as the original text', often used to stress fidelity.
原文通りに訳すのは難しい。
It's difficult to translate exactly as the original text.
原文 (げんぶん) is the general term for 'original text' in translation contexts. 原典 (げんてん) is more academic, referring to the authoritative source or classic. 原稿 (げんこう) specifically means a manuscript or draft. Use 原文 for most everyday situations involving translations or source documents.
The phrase 'オリジナルテキスト' is sometimes used in Japanese, but it sounds like borrowed English and is less natural than 原文. Stick to the native Japanese terms for more natural expression.
契約書の原本を提出してください。
Please submit the original text of the contract.