Translation guide
The ability of a newer system or product to work with older versions or data. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with set phrases rather than a single word.
Describing a system, software, or hardware that supports older versions or data.
Standard technical term for backward compatibility. Used in software, hardware, and standards.
このソフトウェアは後方互換性があります。
This software has backward compatibility.
Also means backward compatibility, literally 'lower-level compatibility'. Often used interchangeably with 後方互換性.
新しいバージョンは下位互換性を保っています。
The new version maintains backward compatibility.
Shorter form of 後方互換性, common in technical contexts.
この機能は後方互換のために残されています。
This feature is kept for backward compatibility.
Shorter form of 下位互換性.
下位互換を確保する必要があります。
We need to ensure backward compatibility.
Stating that something is compatible with older versions or data.
A more descriptive way to say 'compatible with older versions'. Useful when the technical term might be too stiff.
このアプリは旧バージョンと互換性があります。
This app is compatible with older versions.
Means 'supports previous versions'. Common in software descriptions.
このソフトは以前のバージョンに対応しています。
This software supports previous versions.
Describing something as backward compatible.
Adjectival form using 後方互換性. Natural in technical writing.
後方互換性のある設計を採用しました。
We adopted a backward-compatible design.
Adjectival form using 下位互換性.
下位互換性のあるフォーマットです。
It's a backward-compatible format.
Both mean backward compatibility. 後方互換性 is more literal ('rearward compatibility'), while 下位互換性 implies compatibility with lower (older) versions. In practice, they are often interchangeable, but 後方互換性 is slightly more common in general tech contexts.
互換性 (compatibility) is a key word. You can combine it with other prefixes to describe different types of compatibility, e.g., 上位互換性 (forward compatibility), 相互互換性 (mutual compatibility).
このコンソールは以前のゲームと互換性があります。
This console is backward compatible with previous games.
当社のすべてのAPIについて後方互換性を保証します。
We guarantee backward compatibility for all our APIs.