Translation guide
The process or industry of producing text and images, typically on paper, using a printing press or digital printer.
Referring to the act, process, or business of printing books, newspapers, etc.
The most common and general term for printing as a process or industry.
この本は印刷がきれいですね。
The printing of this book is beautiful, isn't it?
印刷業界はデジタル化が進んでいる。
The printing industry is becoming increasingly digitalized.
Specifically refers to printing technology or technique.
最新の印刷技術を使っています。
We use the latest printing technology.
When you want to print a document or file from a computer.
The standard verb for 'to print' (a document, photo, etc.).
この書類を印刷してください。
Please print this document.
写真を印刷したいんですが。
I'd like to print some photos.
A loanword from English, commonly used in casual or office settings, especially for printing from a computer.
このファイルをプリントしておいて。
Print out this file for me.
Referring to the physical result of printing, such as a printout or printed material.
Printed matter; any item that has been printed, like flyers, booklets, etc.
会議の資料は印刷物で配ります。
The meeting materials will be distributed as printed handouts.
A printout or handout, often used in educational or office contexts.
Distinguishing between cursive and non-cursive writing (block letters).
Refers to printed-style characters, as opposed to cursive. Often used when filling out forms.
ここは活字体で書いてください。
Please print here (use block letters).
Block letters, often used in the context of English handwriting.
英語はブロック体で書いてください。
Please write in English using block letters.
Making prints from film or digital images, especially in a darkroom or photo lab.
The process of making a photographic print from a negative; also used for digital photo printing.
フィルムの焼き付けを頼んだ。
I ordered prints from the film.
General phrase for printing photos, especially from a digital file.
スマホで撮った写真を印刷した。
I printed the photos I took with my smartphone.
Both mean 'to print,' but 印刷 is the native Japanese term and is more formal and general. プリント is a loanword and feels more casual, often used for printing from a computer or for handouts. In business settings, 印刷 is safer.
When asking someone to write in block letters, use 活字体 or ブロック体, not 印刷. 印刷 refers to mechanical printing, not handwriting style.
先生がプリントを配った。
The teacher handed out a printout.