Translation guide
The act of converting coded, obscure, or illegible text into understandable language. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 解読 (kaidoku), but the best choice depends on whether you are dealing with codes, ancient scripts, messy handwriting, or figurative understanding.
To convert a coded message into plain text using a key or algorithm.
The standard term for deciphering codes, cryptograms, or encrypted data. Used in both technical and everyday contexts.
Decipher a code.
He deciphered the enemy's coded message.
Technical term for decoding or decryption, often used in computer science and cryptography. Pairs with 暗号化 (encryption).
Decrypt the data.
Loanword from English, used mainly in computing contexts (e.g., decoding a video file). Not typically used for manual codebreaking.
Decode the video.
To make out what is written when the handwriting is unclear.
Specifically means to decipher or make out difficult handwriting or faint characters. Commonly used for old documents or scribbled notes.
His handwriting is so messy I can't decipher it.
Can also be used for illegible writing, but 判読 is more precise. 解読 implies extracting meaning, not just recognizing characters.
To figure out the meaning of a writing system or language that is not immediately understood, such as hieroglyphics or ancient characters.
To understand a confusing situation, hidden meaning, or complex information.
Metaphorically used for deciphering complex texts, instructions, or someone's intentions.
It's hard to decipher his true intentions.
Literally 'read and unravel'. Used for interpreting complex texts, data, or situations by analyzing them deeply.
Decipher the data.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to get the meaning' of something confusing. Less formal than 解読.
I can't decipher this sentence.
解読 (kaidoku) is the broadest term for deciphering meaning from codes, scripts, or obscure text. 判読 (handoku) specifically means making out illegible or unclear characters. 復号 (fukugō) is a technical term for decryption in cryptography and computing.
Decipher a code.
Decipher messy handwriting.
Decrypt an encrypted file.
デコード (dekōdo) is a loanword used almost exclusively in technical computing contexts (e.g., decoding a video stream). Using it for deciphering a code or handwriting sounds unnatural.
Unnatural for 'decipher a code'.
Decipher an ancient document.
走り書きを解読する。
Decipher the scribbled note.
石碑の文字を判読する。
Decipher the characters on the stone monument.
Read between the lines of his words.
Natural way to say 'decipher a code'.