Translation guide
The act or process of writing down spoken words, or the resulting text. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 文字起こし (mojiokoshi), but other terms exist depending on context.
To express the process of converting spoken language into written form, such as for interviews, meetings, or recordings.
The most common and general term for transcription. It literally means 'raising characters' and is used in business, journalism, and everyday contexts.
会議の内容を文字起こしする。
I transcribe the contents of the meeting.
Similar to 文字起こし, but slightly more formal or literary. Often used for transcribing historical documents or formal speeches.
Specifically refers to transcribing from audio tapes. Now somewhat dated but still used in contexts involving older recording media.
昔のインタビューのテープ起こしを頼まれた。
I was asked to transcribe an old interview tape.
To refer to the representation of speech sounds using phonetic symbols, such as IPA.
The standard term for phonetic transcription in linguistics. It encompasses both broad (phonemic) and narrow (phonetic) transcription.
この単語の音声表記を教えてください。
Please tell me the phonetic transcription of this word.
To refer to the biological process of copying DNA into RNA.
The standard term for transcription in molecular biology. It is used in scientific and educational contexts.
DNAからRNAへの転写が行われる。
Transcription from DNA to RNA takes place.
To refer to the adaptation of a musical piece for a different instrument or voice.
The general term for musical arrangement, including transcription. It implies adapting a piece for different instruments.
ピアノ曲をオーケストラ用に編曲する。
Transcribe a piano piece for orchestra.
Both mean 'transcription', but 文字起こし is more common in modern business and media contexts, while 書き起こし can sound more formal or academic. In many cases they are interchangeable.
The English word 'transcription' is broad. Using 転写 for general speech-to-text transcription would be incorrect, as 転写 is primarily a biological term. Always match the context.
講演を書き起こして本にする。
Transcribe the lecture and turn it into a book.
Literally 'pronunciation symbols', often used to refer to phonetic symbols like IPA in dictionaries or language learning.
辞書には発音記号が載っている。
The dictionary includes phonetic symbols.
The loanword from English, used specifically in music contexts to mean transcription, often implying a faithful adaptation rather than a free arrangement.
この曲のトランスクリプションを弾く。
Play a transcription of this piece.