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'.
That program is broadcast every Sunday.
The verb form meaning 'to broadcast'. Used for scheduled transmissions.
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.
To specify that something is being broadcast in real time.
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.
To refer to the organization or facility that broadcasts.
To refer to broadcasting over the internet, including live streaming.
I want to work in the broadcasting industry.
そのドラマは来月オンエアされます。
That drama will air next month.
Literally 'live broadcast'. Used for both radio and TV.
This program is live.
Refers to a live relay or live coverage, often from a remote location.
We'll bring you a live broadcast from the scene of the incident.
His new song was played on the radio.
Specifically for television broadcasting. More formal and less common in daily speech.
The movie will be televised tonight.
Broadcasting station (e.g., TV station, radio station).
I work at a local broadcasting station.
TV station specifically.
She is an announcer at a TV station.
Distribution/streaming. Used for internet broadcasts, live streams, and on-demand content.
He streams gameplay every night.
Internet broadcasting. A more direct translation, but 配信 is more common for streaming.
With the spread of internet broadcasting, people are moving away from TV.
Live streaming. Very common for platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
I'll do a live stream tomorrow.
video streaming
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.