Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'space character' is primarily relevant in computing and typography. Unlike English, Japanese does not use spaces to separate words in normal writing. This guide covers how to refer to the space character itself, as well as related concepts like blank spaces and spacing.
Referring to the space character as a typographic or computing element, such as in programming, text editing, or discussing character sets.
The most common and direct loanword for 'space' in computing and everyday contexts. Used for the space bar, space character, and blank spaces in text.
パスワードにスペースを含めないでください。
Please do not include spaces in your password.
スペースキーを押してください。
Please press the space key.
A more technical term meaning 'blank character' or 'whitespace character'. Used in programming and formal documentation.
このプログラムは空白文字を無視します。
This program ignores whitespace characters.
A compound of 'space' and 'character', explicitly meaning 'space character'. Slightly more technical than スペース alone.
スペース文字をタブ文字に置換する。
Replace space characters with tab characters.
Referring to a blank area or gap in text or layout, not necessarily the character itself.
Means 'blank space' or 'empty space'. Can refer to a gap in text, a blank field, or an empty area. Common in forms and general descriptions.
名前の間に空白を入れてください。
Please put a space between your first and last name.
この欄は空白のままにしてください。
Please leave this field blank.
Also used for visual gaps, especially in casual or computing contexts. Overlaps with the character meaning.
Means 'interval' or 'spacing'. More about the distance between things rather than a specific character. Used in design or layout.
Referring specifically to the space bar key.
The standard term for the space bar on a keyboard.
スペースキーを押して次に進んでください。
Press the space bar to proceed.
In Japanese writing, spaces are not used between words. Inserting spaces where they don't belong can make text look unnatural. Only use spaces in specific contexts like romaji, programming, or separating foreign words.
スペース is a loanword and feels more modern/computing-oriented. 空白 is a native Japanese word and can be used in broader contexts like forms, empty spaces, or blanks. In computing, both are used, but スペース is more common for the character itself.
単語の間にスペースを入れてください。
Please put spaces between the words.
文字の間隔を調整する。
Adjust the spacing between characters.