Translation guide
The English phrase "be transmitted" refers to the passing or spreading of something from one person, place, or thing to another. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends heavily on what is being transmitted—such as a disease, signal, information, or cultural tradition. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese equivalents by meaning.
To express that a disease or pathogen is spread from one person to another.
The most common and direct way to say a disease is transmitted or spreads through infection. Used for both person-to-person and vector-borne transmission.
This virus is transmitted through contact.
A more casual, everyday verb meaning 'to be transmitted' or 'to be contagious'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
Colds are transmitted from person to person.
A more formal or medical term for contagious transmission. Often used in written or technical contexts.
This disease is transmitted through the air.
To express that a signal, data, or broadcast is sent electronically or via waves.
The standard term for data or signals being transmitted electronically. Passive form of 送信する (to transmit).
The data is transmitted encrypted.
Used for transmission of signals or data over a distance, often in telecommunications or broadcasting contexts.
The video is transmitted via optical fiber.
Specifically for radio or TV broadcasts being transmitted. Passive form of 放送する.
The program is transmitted nationwide.
To express that information, a message, or knowledge is passed on or communicated.
The passive form of 伝える (to convey). A versatile and natural way to say information is transmitted or passed on.
The information was transmitted orally.
A more formal term for transmitting information, orders, or messages, often in official or organizational contexts.
The order was immediately transmitted to all members.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be conveyed' or 'to be transmitted'. Emphasizes the natural flow or reception of information, feelings, or culture.
To express that customs, culture, or genetic traits are passed down through generations.
Passive form of 受け継ぐ (to inherit). Commonly used for traditions, culture, or traits being transmitted from one generation to the next.
This tradition has been transmitted over many centuries.
Specifically for folklore, legends, or oral traditions being transmitted. Often used in cultural or historical contexts.
Used for genetic traits or hereditary characteristics being transmitted. Intransitive verb.
This disease is transmitted genetically.
To express that physical force, motion, or energy is transferred through a medium.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be transmitted' for physical phenomena like vibration, sound, or heat. Emphasizes propagation.
The vibration was transmitted to the floor.
Technical term for conduction, such as heat or electricity being transmitted through a material.
Heat is transmitted through metal.
伝わる is intransitive and focuses on the natural flow or reception of something (information, feeling, vibration). 伝えられる is the passive of 伝える and implies an agent actively transmitting something. Use 伝わる when the transmitter is unknown or unimportant, and 伝えられる when the act of transmission by someone is emphasized.
伝送される is mainly for telecommunications and data transmission. Using it for disease or cultural transmission would sound unnatural. Stick to 感染する or 受け継がれる as appropriate.
彼の熱意が聴衆に伝わった。
His enthusiasm was transmitted to the audience.
The story has been transmitted orally.