Translation guide
The field or systems of transmitting information, or the act of exchanging messages. In Japanese, the translation depends on whether you mean the academic field, the technology, or the act of communicating.
Referring to communications as a discipline, major, or area of study.
The standard term for the academic field of communications. Often used in university contexts.
彼女は大学でコミュニケーション学を専攻している。
She is majoring in communications at university.
Literally 'communication theory', also used for the academic study of communications, sometimes with a more theoretical focus.
コミュニケーション論の授業を取っています。
I'm taking a communications class.
Referring to communications equipment, networks, or infrastructure.
The general term for telecommunications, data transmission, or communication systems. Used in compounds like 通信技術 (communications technology).
通信システムがダウンした。
The communications system went down.
通信技術は急速に進歩している。
Communications technology is advancing rapidly.
Referring to the process of communicating, often in interpersonal or organizational contexts.
The most common and versatile term for the act of communicating, especially in business or personal interactions.
チーム内のコミュニケーションが不足している。
There is a lack of communications within the team.
効果的なコミュニケーションが重要だ。
Effective communications are important.
A more formal term emphasizing mutual understanding. Often used in official or business contexts.
Focuses on the transmission of information, often one-way. Used in contexts like announcements or orders.
Referring to a department or function handling external or internal messaging.
The standard term for public relations or corporate communications. Often used in department names.
広報部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the communications department.
A more direct translation using the loanword, sometimes used in international companies.
彼はコミュニケーション部門の責任者だ。
He is the head of communications.
通信 (つうしん) is used for technical systems, telecommunications, and data transmission. コミュニケーション is used for interpersonal or organizational communication. For example, 通信衛星 (communications satellite) uses 通信, while 家族とのコミュニケーション (communication with family) uses コミュニケーション.
通信が途絶えた。
Communications were cut off.
コミュニケーションがうまくいかない。
Communications aren't going well.
The loanword is also used in technical contexts, especially in IT or business, but 通信 is more common for infrastructure.
コミュニケーションツールを導入した。
We introduced communications tools.
意思疎通を図る。
To establish communications.
情報の伝達が遅れた。
The communications of information was delayed.