Translation guide
The English word "translation" can refer to the process of converting text/speech from one language to another, the resulting text, or a broader interpretation. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Expressing the activity of converting written or spoken content from one language to another.
The most common word for translation, especially of written text. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (翻訳する).
この本の翻訳には時間がかかった。
The translation of this book took a long time.
彼は英語から日本語に翻訳している。
He is translating from English to Japanese.
Refers specifically to interpreting spoken language, not written translation.
会議で通訳を頼んだ。
I requested interpretation at the meeting.
A more casual verb meaning 'to translate'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
この文章を訳してもらえますか？
Could you translate this sentence for me?
Specifically refers to translation work or tasks, often in a professional context.
翻訳作業は明日までに終わらせます。
I will finish the translation work by tomorrow.
Referring to the output of translation: a document, book, or piece of text that has been translated.
Same word as the process, but used to mean the translated work itself.
これは『源氏物語』の英訳です。
This is an English translation of The Tale of Genji.
その翻訳はとても読みやすい。
That translation is very easy to read.
Refers to the translated text, often in contrast to the original. Used in academic or technical contexts.
A translated book. Formal and somewhat literary.
Using 'translation' metaphorically to mean converting ideas, emotions, or data into another form.
When talking about converting non-linguistic things (e.g., ideas into action, data into graphs), 翻訳 is often unnatural. Use 変換 (conversion) or 置き換え (replacement/transposition).
アイデアを行動に変換する。
Translate ideas into action.
データをグラフに置き換える。
Translate data into a graph.
Means 'interpretation'. Can be used when 'translation' implies a subjective rendering of meaning.
彼の言葉は誤った解釈をされた。
His words were given a wrong translation/interpretation.
English 'translation' can cover both written and spoken language conversion, but Japanese strictly distinguishes 翻訳 (written) and 通訳 (spoken). Using 翻訳 for interpreting will sound unnatural.
翻訳 is the standard noun and suru-verb for translation. 訳す is a more casual verb often used in daily conversation. 翻訳する is slightly more formal and common in written contexts.
原文と訳文を比較する。
Compare the original text and the translation.
His translation (book) was published.