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.
This company specializes in data processing.
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.
Take the information processing engineer exam.
Refers specifically to data manipulation, transformation, or processing for a specific purpose, like cleaning or formatting data.
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.
We introduced an automatic data processing system.
Means 'data processing by computer'. A more descriptive phrase.
Referring to the department, division, or academic field.
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.
I'm looking for a data processing job.
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.
Data processing by computer is mainstream.
I majored in information processing at university.