Translation guide
For English-speaking learners, 'subtitles' most often refers to on-screen text in movies or videos. Japanese uses 字幕 (jimaku) for this. There are also related terms for captions, dubbing, and subtitle files.
The learner wants to refer to the text displayed at the bottom of a screen that translates or transcribes dialogue.
The standard word for subtitles in films, TV shows, and online videos. Covers both translation subtitles and same-language captions.
この映画は日本語の字幕がついています。
This movie has Japanese subtitles.
字幕をオンにしてください。
Please turn on the subtitles.
Refers to superimposed text on TV, often for emphasis, commentary, or lyrics, not just dialogue translation. Common in variety shows.
バラエティ番組のテロップが面白い。
The on-screen text in variety shows is funny.
Broadcast industry term for superimposed titles or captions, often used for names, locations, or brief text overlays. Not for full dialogue subtitles.
ニュースで容疑者の名前がスーパーで表示された。
The suspect's name was displayed as a superimposition on the news.
The learner wants to distinguish subtitles for accessibility from translation subtitles.
Literally 'subtitles (for the hearing impaired)'. Used to specify closed captions that include sound descriptions.
この動画には聴覚障害者向けの字幕があります。
This video has subtitles for the hearing impaired.
Loanword from English 'closed caption'. Used in technical or media contexts, but 字幕 is more common in everyday speech.
クローズドキャプションを表示するには設定を変えてください。
To display closed captions, please change the settings.
The learner wants to talk about subtitle files (e.g., .srt) or selecting a subtitle track.
Means 'subtitle file'. Used for digital files containing subtitle data.
字幕ファイルをダウンロードしました。
I downloaded the subtitle file.
Refers to a subtitle track selectable in media players.
英語の字幕トラックを選んでください。
Please select the English subtitle track.
The learner wants to express a preference between dubbed and subtitled versions.
Means 'subtitled version', as opposed to 吹き替え版 (dubbed version).
字幕版で見るのが好きです。
I like watching the subtitled version.
Means 'dubbing'. Often contrasted with 字幕.
吹き替えよりも字幕のほうがいい。
I prefer subtitles over dubbing.
字幕 (jimaku) is the standard word for subtitles translating dialogue. テロップ (teroppu) refers to flashy on-screen text used in TV shows for emphasis or jokes, not for translation. Using テロップ for movie subtitles sounds odd.
映画の字幕は読みやすい。
The movie's subtitles are easy to read.
バラエティのテロップがうるさい。
The on-screen text in the variety show is annoying.
To ask if a video has subtitles, say 「字幕はありますか？」 (jimaku wa arimasu ka?). To request they be turned on, say 「字幕を出してください」 (jimaku o dashite kudasai).
外国の映画はいつも字幕で見ます。
I always watch foreign films with subtitles.
字幕がずれている。
The subtitles are out of sync.