Translation guide
QSO is amateur radio shorthand for a two-way radio contact or conversation. In Japanese, it is used almost exclusively in ham radio contexts, often as a loanword or in set phrases.
Referring to a two-way radio communication between amateur radio operators.
The standard Japanese word for a radio communication or exchange. Used in formal and informal ham radio contexts.
QSO is not used in everyday Japanese to mean 'chat' or 'conversation'. It is strictly amateur radio terminology. Using it outside that context will cause confusion.
To say 'have a QSO', use 交信する (こうしんする) or colloquially QSOする (キューエスオーする).
昨日、北海道の局と交信しました。
Yesterday, I had a QSO with a station in Hokkaido.
The English abbreviation used directly in Japanese ham radio conversations. Often pronounced as キューエスオー.
今日は10局とQSOできた。
I was able to have QSOs with 10 stations today.
A 'QSO party' is a contest-like event where operators try to contact as many stations as possible, often within a specific region.
今週末はフロリダQSOパーティーに参加します。
This weekend I'll join the Florida QSO Party.