Translation guide
The English word 'recording' can refer to the act of capturing audio/video, the resulting file or medium, or the process of documenting something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express the action of capturing sound or video onto a medium.
Specifically refers to audio recording. Use this when the focus is on sound only.
会議を録音してもいいですか。
May I record the meeting?
彼は自分の歌を録音した。
He recorded his own song.
Specifically refers to video recording. Use this when capturing moving images, such as TV programs or movies.
この番組を録画しておいて。
Please record this program.
昨日の試合を録画した。
I recorded yesterday's game.
Often used for professional recording in studios, or for including content in a publication. Can refer to both audio and video.
この曲はスタジオで収録されました。
This song was recorded in a studio.
Primarily means filming or photography. Can be used for video recording when emphasizing the camera work, but 録画 is more common for simple recording.
映画の撮影が始まった。
Filming of the movie has begun.
To refer to the physical or digital object that contains recorded content.
Can also mean an audio recording as a noun. Context distinguishes the act from the result.
その録音を聞かせてください。
Please let me listen to that recording.
Can also mean a video recording as a noun.
A broader term for a record or documentation. Can refer to a recording as a stored piece of data, but less specific than 録音/録画.
Refers to a sound source or audio recording, often used in music contexts.
To express the act of writing down or storing information for future reference.
The most common word for keeping a written or data record. Can be used as a noun or verb (記録する).
毎日の気温を記録している。
I am recording the daily temperature.
彼の記録は正確だ。
His recording is accurate.
Casual term for taking notes or jotting down information. Often used for quick, informal recording.
話をメモしておいて。
Make a recording of the conversation. (Take notes)
To write down or note something so as not to forget. Emphasizes the act of capturing information.
録音 is for audio only, 録画 is for video only. 収録 is often used for professional studio recordings or when content is included in a collection (e.g., an album). For everyday recording of TV shows, 録画 is standard.
The loanword レコーディング is mainly used in music contexts (e.g., recording a song). It is not natural for recording a meeting or a TV show.
Did you watch yesterday's recording?
This is a historical recording.
貴重な音源が見つかった。
A valuable recording was found.
アイデアをノートに書き留めた。
I recorded the idea in my notebook.