Translation guide
The English word "register" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: official lists, recording information, expressing feelings, noticing something, and adjusting position. It does not cover obscure technical meanings.
To refer to an official list of names, items, or events, or the act of entering something into such a list.
The most common word for registration, enrollment, or entry into a list. Used for memberships, accounts, devices, etc.
会員登録は無料です。
Member registration is free.
新しいデバイスを登録する。
Register a new device.
A roster or list of names, often for attendance or membership. More concrete than 登録.
出席者名簿に名前を書く。
Write your name on the attendance register.
Legal registration, such as for real estate, companies, or marriages. Used in official contexts.
不動産登記を行う。
Register real estate.
To officially record information or enroll in a system, course, or event.
The standard verb for registering for services, accounts, or memberships.
ウェブサイトに登録する。
Register on the website.
メールアドレスを登録してください。
Please register your email address.
To apply or sign up for something, often used for courses, events, or subscriptions. Implies an application process.
セミナーに申し込む。
Register for the seminar.
To record data or information, not necessarily for enrollment. Used for keeping logs or official records.
実験結果を記録する。
Record the experiment results.
To express or display an emotion, attitude, or level of something, often through facial expression or tone.
To show or indicate a feeling, quality, or measurement. Broadly used.
彼の顔は驚きを示していた。
His face registered surprise.
温度計は40度を示した。
The thermometer registered 40 degrees.
To express or manifest an emotion or abstract concept. Often used for facial expressions.
To show a subtle expression on one's face, like a smile or worry. Literary nuance.
To realize or notice something, often after a delay or when it finally makes an impact.
To notice or become aware of something. The most natural translation for "register" in the sense of realization.
彼の言ったことがようやく頭に入った。
What he said finally registered.
そのニュースの重大さに気づかなかった。
The importance of the news didn't register.
Literally "enter one's head," meaning to comprehend or register information. Often used when something finally makes sense.
説明がやっと頭に入った。
The explanation finally registered.
To recognize or acknowledge something formally. More formal than 気づく.
問題の深刻さを認識する。
Register the seriousness of the problem.
To adjust something so that it is in the correct position or alignment, often in printing or machinery.
Alignment or registration, especially in printing, graphics, or mechanical contexts.
印刷の位置合わせをする。
Adjust the print register.
To adjust or regulate. A general term that can be used for mechanical or positional adjustments.
印刷機のローラーを調整する。
Adjust the rollers on the printing press.
English uses "register" for gradual realization, but Japanese prefers 気づく (notice) or 頭に入る (enter one's head). Avoid direct translations like 登録する for this meaning.
登録する is for entering information into a system (like a website). 申し込む is for applying or signing up for something that requires approval or selection (like a course or event). Use 登録 for accounts, 申し込む for applications.
会議に登録する必要があります。
I need to register for the conference.
If it's a simple online registration. If it requires application, use 申し込む.
最初、彼女の名前はピンとこなかった。
Her name didn't register with me at first.
ピンとこない is a common phrase for something not clicking or registering.
彼女の顔は悲しみを表していた。
Her face registered sadness.
彼は口元に笑みを浮かべた。
He registered a faint smile.