Translation guide
The English word "cipher" has several distinct meanings: a secret code, a person or thing of no importance, and the mathematical concept of zero. This guide helps learners express each meaning naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a method of secret writing or an encoded message.
Describing someone or something that has no value, influence, or significance.
Referring to the number zero, especially in historical or formal contexts.
The standard word for zero in mathematics. Also used in temperatures and scores.
In English, 'cipher' can be a verb meaning to encode or calculate, but this usage is rare. In Japanese, use 暗号化する (あんごうかする) for 'to encrypt' and 解読する (かいどくする) for 'to decipher'.
Encrypt the message.
The most common and general term for a cipher or code. Can refer to both the system and the encoded message.
This message is written in cipher.
Deciphering the code is difficult.
Loanword from English, used in technical or modern contexts, especially in computing and cryptography.
This cipher is impossible to crack.
Specifically refers to the encoded text or ciphertext, rather than the system.
Convert the ciphertext back to plaintext.
He is a cipher in the company.
Means 'worthless' or 'of no value'. Can be used for things or people, but may sound blunt.
The proposal was a cipher.
Literally 'just a person', implying someone ordinary and insignificant. Casual.
I thought he was famous, but he was just a cipher.
その数式の答えは零だ。
The answer to the equation is cipher.
Loanword for zero, very common in everyday speech and modern contexts.
The temperature dropped to zero.
暗号を解読する。
Decipher the code.