Translation guide
The English word "documentation" can refer to the documents themselves, the act of documenting, or supporting evidence. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Referring to written or digital materials that explain how something works, provide instructions, or record information.
A common loanword for documentation, especially in IT and business contexts. Often used for digital or printed manuals and guides.
Where is the documentation for this software?
General term for materials, documents, or reference data. Often used in academic, business, and official settings.
Please read the documentation before the meeting.
Specifically refers to a manual or instruction booklet. Use when the documentation is a step-by-step guide.
The documentation for this camera is easy to understand.
Instruction manual or explanatory booklet. Common for consumer products.
Please read the documentation carefully before use.
Referring to the activity of creating documents, recording details, or keeping records.
The act of putting something into written form. Often used in business or technical contexts.
Documentation of the process is important.
Recording or keeping a record. Can be used for documentation as an activity, especially in historical or factual contexts.
Referring to documents that serve as evidence, such as for legal, official, or verification purposes.
Documents that prove something, such as identity, qualifications, or transactions.
You need documentation for the visa application.
General term for documents or paperwork. Often used in contexts where documentation means official papers.
Specifically refers to documentary evidence, often in legal or investigative contexts.
The English word "documentation" is often used broadly. In Japanese, it's important to choose the specific term that matches the context (e.g., 資料 for reference materials, マニュアル for a manual). Using ドキュメント for everything can sound unnatural.
実験の記録を取ってください。
Please document the experiment.
Loanword used in technical fields like software engineering for the process of creating documentation.
We are considering automating documentation.
必要書類を提出してください。
Please submit the required documentation.
They submitted documentation to the court.