Translation guide
How to refer to sign language in Japanese, including specific sign languages and related expressions.
The general concept of sign language as a visual-manual language used by deaf communities.
The standard word for sign language. Can refer to any sign language.
She can use sign language.
手話を学びたいです。
I want to learn sign language.
A more formal term emphasizing sign language as a full-fledged language. Often used in academic or legal contexts.
手話言語は独自の文法を持っている。
Sign language has its own grammar.
Referring to a particular national or regional sign language.
Attach the country or region name before 手話 to specify a sign language. For example, 日本手話 (Japanese Sign Language), アメリカ手話 (American Sign Language).
日本手話は日本語とは異なる言語です。
Japanese Sign Language is a different language from Japanese.
彼はアメリカ手話を勉強している。
He is studying American Sign Language.
The act of communicating in sign language.
Literally 'to speak in sign language'. A common way to say 'to sign'.
彼らは手話で話している。
They are signing (talking in sign language).
Literally 'to use sign language'. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
会議では手話を使います。
We will use sign language in the meeting.
A person who translates between spoken and sign language.
Standard term for a sign language interpreter.
手話通訳者が講演を通訳した。
A sign language interpreter interpreted the lecture.
Can refer to the act of interpreting or the profession. Often used in compound nouns.
手話通訳の資格を取る。
To get a sign language interpreting qualification.
In Japanese Sign Language (JSL), fingerspelling corresponds to kana, not the English alphabet. The term for fingerspelling is 指文字 (ゆびもじ).
名前を指文字で表す。
Express a name using fingerspelling.
手話 (sign language) is a full language with grammar. ジェスチャー (gesture) refers to informal body movements that accompany speech. Do not confuse them.
手話はジェスチャーとは違います。
Sign language is different from gestures.