Translation guide
The English word "credits" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the closing titles of a film or TV show, acknowledgment of someone's contribution, and academic units. It does not cover financial credits or other niche uses.
The most common and natural way to refer to the closing credits of a film or TV show. It is a loanword from English 'end roll' and is widely understood.
The credits started rolling.
My name appeared in the credits.
Also used for film credits, but can be ambiguous as it also means 'credit' in financial or other contexts. Often seen in phrases like クレジットタイトル.
I like watching movie credits.
Literally 'staff roll', sometimes used to refer specifically to the list of production staff, as opposed to cast. Less common than エンドロール.
The staff credits were long.
Giving recognition or praise to someone for their role in an achievement.
A natural way to express 'give credit' in the sense of acknowledging someone's achievement or contribution. 功績 means 'achievement' or 'merit'.
We should give him credit for his achievement.
手柄 means 'credit' or 'merit' for a deed. This phrase is used when acknowledging someone's specific contribution or effort.
A very common way to attribute a positive outcome to someone's help or effort, similar to 'thanks to' or 'credit goes to'. It implies gratitude and recognition.
The success is all thanks to you. / You deserve the credit.
Means 'to evaluate' or 'to appreciate'. Can be used to give credit in the sense of recognizing value, but is more formal and less direct than 認める.
We should give due credit to his efforts.
Units earned for completing a course at a school or university.
The standard term for academic credits or course units. Used in high school and university contexts.
This course is worth 4 credits.
I earned the credits needed for graduation.
Also used in some educational contexts, especially in international programs or when speaking English-influenced Japanese. 単位 is more standard.
While クレジット is a loanword, it is not the best choice for every context. For film credits, エンドロール is more natural. For academic credits, 単位 is standard. クレジット is mainly used for financial credit or in specific phrases like クレジットカード (credit card).
It's unfair not to give her credit.
This program requires 30 credits.