Translation guide
The English word 'orthography' refers to the conventional spelling system of a language. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through several terms that differ in scope and usage, from the general writing system to specific rules about kana and kanji usage.
To refer to the overall system of writing and spelling in a language.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'correct writing rules'. Used in linguistic contexts to describe the standardized spelling system of a language.
日本語の正書法は複雑だ。
Japanese orthography is complex.
Refers to notation or writing conventions, often used for specific aspects like kana usage or romanization.
この辞書では現代仮名遣いに基づいた表記法を採用している。
This dictionary adopts an orthography based on modern kana usage.
Literally 'spelling characters', often used for alphabetic orthographies. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or refer specifically to spelling.
英語の綴り字は不規則だ。
English orthography is irregular.
To refer specifically to the rules for using hiragana and katakana, including historical and modern kana usage.
The standard term for kana usage rules. Often used in contexts like 'modern kana usage' (現代仮名遣い) or 'historical kana usage' (歴史的仮名遣い).
歴史的仮名遣いは古典文学で使われる。
Historical kana orthography is used in classical literature.
Refers to representation in kana, often used when discussing how words are written in kana as opposed to kanji.
この単語は仮名表記が一般的だ。
This word is commonly written in kana.
To refer to the rules and conventions for using kanji, including official lists and variant forms.
Refers to kanji notation or representation. Commonly used when discussing whether a word is written in kanji or kana.
この言葉は漢字表記と仮名表記の両方がある。
This word has both kanji and kana orthographies.
To refer to the specific rules or conventions governing spelling, such as okurigana or punctuation.
The kana suffixes following kanji in Japanese words. The rules for okurigana are a key part of Japanese orthography.
送り仮名の付け方には規則がある。
There are rules for okurigana usage in Japanese orthography.
Refers to variation or inconsistency in orthography, such as different acceptable spellings for the same word.
この単語には表記の揺れが見られる。
This word shows orthographic variation.
正書法 (seishohō) is the broadest term for 'orthography' as a linguistic concept. 表記法 (hyōkihō) is often used for specific writing conventions, like kana or kanji usage. 仮名遣い (kanazukai) specifically refers to kana orthography rules. For general discussions of a language's spelling system, 正書法 is the safest choice.
正書法の改革が行われた。
An orthographic reform was carried out.
この表記法は読みやすい。
This writing convention is easy to read.
現代仮名遣いを学ぶ。
Learn modern kana orthography.
The English word 'spelling' is often translated as 綴り (tsuzuri), but in Japanese this primarily refers to alphabetic spelling. For Japanese orthography, use the terms above depending on context. Saying 日本語の綴り (nihongo no tsuzuri) sounds unnatural; instead say 日本語の表記 (nihongo no hyōki) or 日本語の正書法 (nihongo no seishohō).
The official list of commonly used kanji. While not a direct translation of 'orthography', it is central to modern Japanese kanji orthography.
常用漢字表は日本の漢字表記の基準だ。
The Jōyō kanji list is the standard for Japanese kanji orthography.