Translation guide
The English word "thesis" has two main meanings: a long academic paper for a degree, and a central argument or proposition. These are expressed differently in Japanese.
A long essay or dissertation submitted for a university degree, especially a master's or doctoral degree.
General term for an academic paper or thesis. Can refer to a graduation thesis, master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation.
A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
Refers to one's assertion, claim, or argument. Commonly used in discussions and essays.
論文 refers to the physical document or the academic paper itself, while 主張 refers to the argument or claim within it. If you say 'I'm writing my thesis,' use 論文. If you say 'My thesis is that...', use 主張.
卒業論文を提出した。
I submitted my graduation thesis.
彼は博士論文を執筆中だ。
He is writing his doctoral thesis.
Specifically a graduation thesis, usually for a bachelor's degree.
卒業論文のテーマは何ですか。
What is the topic of your graduation thesis?
Master's thesis.
修士論文の審査に合格した。
I passed the defense of my master's thesis.
Doctoral dissertation or Ph.D. thesis.
博士論文を提出する準備ができた。
I am ready to submit my doctoral thesis.
彼の主張は説得力がある。
His thesis is persuasive.
この論文の主張を要約してください。
Please summarize the thesis of this paper.
Point of argument; the main point or issue being discussed. Often used in formal debates or academic contexts.
彼の論点は明確だ。
His thesis is clear.
Loanword from German 'These', used in philosophical or academic contexts, especially in Hegelian dialectics. Sounds intellectual.
彼はそのテーゼを反証した。
He disproved the thesis.