Translation guide
The English word 'catalogue' can refer to a printed or digital listing of items, or to the act of compiling such a list. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for both the noun and verb uses, with attention to context and formality.
Referring to a physical or digital publication that lists products, services, or collections.
The most common and direct loanword for 'catalogue' in the sense of a product listing or brochure. Used widely in business and everyday contexts.
新しいカタログが届きました。
The new catalogue has arrived.
オンラインカタログを見てください。
Please look at the online catalogue.
A more formal or traditional term for a catalogue, often used for library catalogues, exhibition catalogues, or official lists. Can feel slightly old-fashioned in casual contexts.
図書館の目録を検索する。
Search the library catalogue.
展示会の目録をいただけますか？
May I have the exhibition catalogue?
Means 'list' or 'overview'. Often used in compound words like 商品一覧 (product list) or メニュー一覧 (menu list). Not a direct translation of 'catalogue' but can serve a similar function in digital interfaces.
商品一覧からお選びください。
Please choose from the product catalogue.
The action of systematically recording items, often for organization or documentation.
A straightforward way to say 'to catalogue' using the loanword plus 化する (to make into). Common in business and technical contexts.
すべての商品をカタログ化する必要があります。
We need to catalogue all the products.
Literally 'to create a catalogue'. More formal and often used for library or archival cataloguing.
蔵書の目録を作成しています。
We are cataloguing the collection of books.
Means 'to list up' or 'to make a list'. A casual, commonly used alternative for cataloguing items, especially in business settings.
必要なものをリストアップしてください。
Please catalogue the necessary items.
Means 'to record' or 'to document'. Can be used when cataloguing involves detailed recording, but it's broader than just listing.
すべてのデータを記録する。
Catalogue all the data.
カタログ is the everyday word for commercial catalogues (fashion, furniture, etc.). 目録 is more formal and often used for academic, library, or exhibition catalogues. Using 目録 for a shopping catalogue can sound overly stiff.
このカタログから服を注文した。
I ordered clothes from this catalogue.
美術展の目録を購入した。
I bought the art exhibition catalogue.