Translation guide
The act of transmitting programs via radio, television, or the internet. In Japanese, the core term is 放送 (ほうそう), which covers both the industry and the act. This guide covers how to talk about broadcasting in various contexts.
To refer to the act or industry of transmitting radio or television programs.
The most common and general term for broadcasting. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to broadcast'.
その番組は毎週日曜日に放送されます。
That program is broadcast every Sunday.
放送業界で働きたいです。
I want to work in the broadcasting industry.
The verb form meaning 'to broadcast'. Used for scheduled transmissions.
NHKはニュースを24時間放送している。
NHK broadcasts news 24 hours a day.
Loanword from English 'on air'. Often used in media contexts to mean 'being broadcast' or 'to air'. More casual and industry-specific.
そのドラマは来月オンエアされます。
That drama will air next month.
To specify that something is being broadcast in real time.
Literally 'live broadcast'. Used for both radio and TV.
この番組は生放送です。
This program is live.
Refers to a live relay or live coverage, often from a remote location.
To describe the action of sending out a signal or making a program available.
Literally 'to flow'. Used colloquially for broadcasting or playing media, especially music or videos.
ラジオで彼の新曲が流れた。
His new song was played on the radio.
Specifically for television broadcasting. More formal and less common in daily speech.
その映画は今夜放映されます。
The movie will be televised tonight.
To refer to the organization or facility that broadcasts.
Broadcasting station (e.g., TV station, radio station).
地元の放送局で働いています。
I work at a local broadcasting station.
TV station specifically.
To refer to broadcasting over the internet, including live streaming.
Distribution/streaming. Used for internet broadcasts, live streams, and on-demand content.
彼は毎晩ゲーム実況を配信している。
He streams gameplay every night.
Internet broadcasting. A more direct translation, but 配信 is more common for streaming.
ネット放送の普及でテレビ離れが進んでいる。
With the spread of internet broadcasting, people are moving away from TV.
放送 (ほうそう) is used for traditional broadcasting like TV and radio, while 配信 (はいしん) is used for internet-based distribution, including streaming and on-demand content. Use 放送 for scheduled programs and 配信 for online content.
The loanword ブロードキャスティング is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to 放送 or 配信 depending on the medium.
事件の現場から生中継でお伝えします。
We'll bring you a live broadcast from the scene of the incident.
She is an announcer at a TV station.
Live streaming. Very common for platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
明日ライブ配信をします。
I'll do a live stream tomorrow.