Translation guide
Specialized vocabulary used by a particular group, often to exclude outsiders. In Japanese, this can be expressed through words for jargon, slang, or secret languages.
Referring to the technical or specialized vocabulary of a profession, hobby, or group.
The most common and neutral term for technical terminology or jargon.
Medical jargon is hard for patients to understand.
Industry-specific jargon, often used in business or trade contexts.
IT industry jargon is increasing every day.
Secret language or cant used by a closed group, often with a nuance of concealment.
The thieves were speaking in argot.
Describing casual, in-group language that may not be understood by outsiders.
Slang or colloquial language, often used by specific social groups.
Youth slang changes quickly.
Loanword from English, commonly used for modern slang, especially among younger people.
In-group language or jargon used among friends or close associates.
Referring to a deliberately obscure language used to hide meaning from outsiders.
The standard term for secret language or cant, often used by criminals or closed communities.
They used argot so the police wouldn't understand.
A code word or sign used within a specific trade or group, often for prices or goods.
Literally 'code' or 'cipher', can be used metaphorically for incomprehensible jargon.
専門用語 (technical terminology) is neutral and widely used for any specialized field. 隠語 implies secrecy and is often associated with underworld or closed groups. Use 専門用語 for academic or professional jargon, and 隠語 for deliberately obscure language.
Legal jargon is difficult.
They discussed the deal in argot.
For contemporary, informal group language (like internet slang or youth slang), スラング is often more natural than 俗語. 俗語 can sound slightly academic or dated.
Recent slang spreads through social media.
このスラングの意味がわからない。
I don't understand the meaning of this slang.
They were having fun using their in-group argot.
In the market, they use argot to set prices.
彼の話はまるで暗号のようだ。
His speech is like argot to me.