Translation guide
The English word 'tidings' is a literary or old-fashioned term for news or information. In Japanese, the most natural equivalents depend on context: general news, a report, or a message. Direct translations are rare in casual speech.
The most common way to express 'tidings' as general news or information.
A common word for 'news' or 'notice', often used for personal updates. Neutral in tone.
良い知らせを待っています。
I'm waiting for good tidings.
彼から何の知らせもない。
There's no tidings from him.
Often used for letters or messages from someone, implying a connection. Slightly warm or personal.
久しぶりに故郷から便りが届いた。
Tidings from my hometown arrived after a long time.
The loanword for 'news', used in modern contexts. Less literary than 'tidings'.
彼女は良いニュースをもたらした。
She brought good tidings.
When 'tidings' refers to an official or formal piece of news.
Same reading as 知らせ but often written with this kanji for more formal or official news.
勝利の報せが届いた。
Tidings of victory arrived.
A formal report or announcement. Used in business or official settings.
When 'tidings' implies a message sent from one person to another.
A verbal message left for someone. Common in daily life.
彼から伝言を預かっています。
I have tidings from him.
A literary term for correspondence or news. Rare in modern speech.
Specifically for happy or welcome news, often in a somewhat elevated tone.
Literally 'good news', often used for personal achievements or happy events.
合格の吉報を聞いた。
I heard the glad tidings of passing the exam.
Similar to 吉報, but slightly more formal or literary. 'Good tidings'.
Words like 音信 (onshin) or 報 (hou) are very literary and would sound odd in everyday conversation. Stick to 知らせ or ニュース for most situations.
何か知らせはあった？
Any tidings?
知らせ is general news; 便り often implies a letter or message from someone you have a relationship with, like family or friends. 便り can feel warmer.
母からの便りを楽しみにしている。
I'm looking forward to tidings from my mother.
大使から和平の報告があった。
There were tidings of peace from the ambassador.
彼からの音信は途絶えた。
Tidings from him ceased.
戦争終結の朗報が世界を駆け巡った。
The glad tidings of the war's end spread around the world.