Translation guide
The English acronym 'WWW' stands for 'World Wide Web'. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by its English name or the full Japanese translation. This guide covers how to express the concept of the World Wide Web in Japanese.
Referring to the global information system accessed via the internet
The acronym 'WWW' is widely understood in Japan, especially in technical contexts. It is pronounced as individual letters: 'daburyū daburyū daburyū'.
The 'WWW' in this site stands for World Wide Web.
The full Japanese transliteration of 'World Wide Web'. Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
The World Wide Web is an information system on the internet.
Short for 'web', commonly used in compounds like 'ウェブサイト' (website) or 'ウェブページ' (web page).
Please look it up on the web.
Referring to the 'www' prefix in web addresses
In URLs, 'www' is typically left as is and pronounced as 'daburyū daburyū daburyū'. It is often omitted in spoken references to websites.
The address is www.example.com.
Using 'WWW' to mean the internet or being online in a broad sense
The standard word for 'internet'. Often used where English might say 'web' or 'online'.
I shopped online.
Casual abbreviation of 'インターネット'. Very common in everyday speech.
Loanword for 'online', used in contexts like online meetings or services.
The word 'ウェブ' (webu) is commonly combined with other words, e.g., ウェブサイト (website), ウェブページ (web page), ウェブブラウザ (web browser). This is more natural than using 'WWW' in conversation.
I created a new website.
Do not try to translate 'WWW' as a Japanese word. It is an acronym and should be treated as such. Using 'ワールドワイドウェブ' is acceptable but sounds formal; in casual contexts, 'ネット' or 'インターネット' is preferred.
The WWW has changed our lives.
Formal or written style.
I found out right away by searching online.
I will join the online meeting.