Translation guide
NHK is Japan's national public broadcasting organization. When referring to it in Japanese, the abbreviation NHK is used directly, but understanding its full name and related terms helps learners navigate media contexts.
NHK
NHK (the broadcaster)
Referring to the broadcasting corporation itself
The standard way to refer to the organization in Japanese, pronounced エヌエイチケイ. Used in all contexts.
NHKの番組を見る。
I watch NHK programs.
The full official name, meaning 'Japan Broadcasting Corporation'. Used in formal or official contexts.
日本放送協会は公共放送です。
NHK is a public broadcaster.
Talking about the mandatory NHK subscription fee
The standard term for the NHK reception fee. Often shortened to just 受信料 in context.
NHK受信料を払わなければなりません。
You have to pay the NHK reception fee.
A more general way to say 'NHK fee', though 受信料 is more precise.
NHKの料金は月々いくらですか？
How much is the NHK fee per month?
Referring to the person who collects NHK fees door-to-door
The standard term for an NHK fee collector. Often just 集金人 when context is clear.
昨日、NHKの集金人が来ました。
Yesterday, the NHK fee collector came.
NHK is pronounced as individual letters: エヌ (N), エイチ (H), ケイ (K). It is not read as a word.
NHK specifically refers to Japan's public broadcaster. Do not use it to refer to other countries' public broadcasters (e.g., BBC, PBS).