Translation guide
The concept of data processing in Japanese is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term データ処理 (dēta shori). Depending on context, other terms like 情報処理 (jōhō shori) for information processing or データ加工 (dēta kakō) for data manipulation may be used. This guide covers the most useful expressions for an English-speaking learner.
The broad act of processing data, especially in computing and business contexts.
The most direct and common translation for 'data processing'. Used widely in IT, business, and everyday technical contexts.
この会社はデータ処理を専門としています。
This company specializes in data processing.
データ処理の速度が重要です。
The speed of data processing is important.
Often translated as 'information processing', but overlaps with 'data processing' in many contexts. Common in academic and technical fields.
情報処理技術者試験を受ける。
Take the information processing engineer exam.
Refers specifically to data manipulation, transformation, or processing for a specific purpose, like cleaning or formatting data.
データ加工の作業に時間がかかる。
The data processing work takes time.
Processing performed by computers or systems, often in real-time or batch.
Explicitly means 'automatic data processing'. Used when emphasizing the automated nature.
自動データ処理システムを導入した。
We introduced an automatic data processing system.
Means 'data processing by computer'. A more descriptive phrase.
コンピューターによるデータ処理が主流だ。
Data processing by computer is mainstream.
Referring to the department, division, or academic field.
The data processing department or division within a company.
彼はデータ処理部門で働いている。
He works in the data processing department.
The academic field of information processing or computer science. More formal and academic.
大学で情報処理学を専攻した。
I majored in information processing at university.
データ処理 (dēta shori) is the direct loan translation and is widely understood. 情報処理 (jōhō shori) is more formal and often used in academic or governmental contexts, but can be used interchangeably in many cases. For everyday IT contexts, データ処理 is safer.
データ処理の仕事を探しています。
I'm looking for a data processing job.
情報処理学会に参加する。
Attend the Information Processing Society of Japan.
Do not translate 'data processing' word-for-word as 資料処理 (shiryō shori) or 事実処理 (jijitsu shori). These are not natural and may not be understood.