Translation guide
In Japanese, 'special effects' is most commonly expressed with 特殊効果 (tokushu kōka) or the loanword 特殊撮影 (tokushu satsuei), often abbreviated as SFX. The term covers practical effects, CGI, and visual effects in film, TV, and games.
The broad term for visual or audio effects created artificially for media.
The standard term for special effects in film, television, and video. Often abbreviated as SFX.
この映画の特殊効果は素晴らしい。
The special effects in this movie are amazing.
Common abbreviation used in Japanese media and conversation, pronounced as individual letters.
SFXがリアルで驚いた。
I was surprised by how realistic the SFX were.
Short for 特殊撮影, often used for tokusatsu (live-action special effects) genres like Godzilla or Kamen Rider. Can refer to the technique or the genre itself.
特撮技術が進化している。
Special effects techniques are evolving.
Borrowed from English, specifically refers to visual effects created digitally in post-production.
VFXを使ったシーンが多くて見応えがあった。
There were many scenes using VFX, and it was worth watching.
Artificially created or enhanced sounds for media.
Specifically refers to sound effects, distinct from visual effects.
効果音が怖さを引き立てている。
The sound effects enhance the scariness.
Abbreviation for Sound Effects, commonly used in game development and media production.
SEのタイミングが完璧だった。
The timing of the sound effects was perfect.
Effects created physically during filming, like explosions, makeup, or animatronics.
Refers to practical, in-camera effects as opposed to digital. Not as common as 特殊効果 but understood in context.
CGより実写効果の方が迫力がある。
Practical effects have more impact than CG.
Special makeup effects, a subset of practical effects for creating wounds, monsters, etc.
特殊メイクがリアルすぎて気持ち悪かった。
The special makeup was so realistic it was creepy.
特殊効果 is the broadest term covering all special effects. 特撮 often implies live-action miniature work and suitmation (tokusatsu genre). VFX specifically means digital visual effects added in post-production.
SFX is widely understood among younger Japanese speakers and in media contexts. Pronounce it as エスエフエックス, not as an English word.