Translation guide
The English word "annals" refers to historical records or chronicles, often organized year by year. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 年代記 (nendaiki), but other terms like 史書 (shisho) or 歴史 (rekishi) may be used depending on context. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
To refer to a written account of events, especially in chronological order, often used in formal or academic contexts.
The most direct translation for 'annals' as a chronological record. It is a formal, written term.
この年代記は12世紀の出来事を詳しく記している。
These annals record the events of the 12th century in detail.
A general term for history books or historical documents. It can be used for annals in the sense of official histories.
古代中国の史書には多くの王朝の記録が残されている。
The annals of ancient China contain records of many dynasties.
The common word for 'history'. In some contexts, it can be used to mean 'annals' when referring to the recorded past, but it is broader.
この町の歴史は古い文書に記されている。
The annals of this town are recorded in old documents.
Means 'record' or 'documentation'. It can be used for annals when emphasizing the act of recording events.
その事件は公式の記録に残っている。
The event remains in the official annals.
A technical term for 'chronicle' or 'annals', emphasizing year-by-year arrangement. Used mainly in historiography.
この編年史は中世ヨーロッパの出来事を年ごとにまとめている。
This chronicle compiles the events of medieval Europe year by year.
To refer metaphorically to the collective history or notable events in a particular domain, like 'the annals of science'.
In figurative use, 歴史 is the most natural choice. It covers the idea of accumulated past events in any field.
これは科学の歴史に残る大発見だ。
This is a great discovery that will go down in the annals of science.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to inscribe one's name in the annals of ~'. It conveys the idea of being remembered in history.
彼の功績は医学の歴史に名を刻んだ。
His achievements have been inscribed in the annals of medicine.
Can be used figuratively for records or annals, especially in sports or achievements.
Directly translating 'annals' as 年代記 in everyday conversation may sound overly formal or archaic. Use 歴史 or 記録 unless you specifically mean a formal chronicle.
その会社の歴史は着実な成長を示している。
The annals of the company show steady growth.
この出来事は我が国の歴史に刻まれるだろう。
This event will be remembered in the annals of our nation.
His record will remain forever in the annals of sports history.