Translation guide
The English word 'em' is an informal, spoken contraction of 'them'. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent contraction. Instead, you express the idea by using the appropriate object pronoun or by omitting the object when it is clear from context.
Express 'them' as the object of a verb, referring to people or things previously mentioned.
Express 'them' as the indirect object, meaning 'to them' or 'for them'.
When the recipient is obvious, Japanese often drops the indirect object. This is the most natural approach.
I gave 'em (to them).
Japanese does not have contractions like 'em. Using shortened forms of pronouns will sound unnatural. Instead, rely on omission or use the full pronoun when necessary.
English requires an object; Japanese often does not. If 'em refers to something already mentioned, simply drop it. This is the most common and natural strategy.
Did you find 'em?
Explicitly says 'them' for people (male or mixed group). Use when you need to be clear or emphasize the object.
Please call 'em.
Explicitly says 'them' for things. Often sounds stiff or written; in speech, omission is preferred.
Put 'em in the box.
Literally 'those people', used when pointing out a specific group. More casual than 彼らを.
Look at 'em.
送った？
Did you send 'em (to them)?
Explicit 'to them' for people. Use when clarity is needed.
Tell 'em.
Casual 'to those people'. Used in spoken Japanese when gesturing or referring to a specific group.
Ask 'em.