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.
In Japanese, when the object is clear from context, it is often omitted entirely. This is the most natural way to handle 'em in many sentences.
Explicitly says 'them' for people (male or mixed group). Use when you need to be clear or emphasize the object.
Express 'them' as the indirect object, meaning 'to them' or 'for 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.
彼らを呼んでください。
Please call 'em.
Explicitly says 'them' for things. Often sounds stiff or written; in speech, omission is preferred.
それらを箱に入れてください。
Put 'em in the box.
Literally 'those people', used when pointing out a specific group. More casual than 彼らを.
あの人たちを見て。
Look at 'em.
Explicit 'to them' for people. Use when clarity is needed.
彼らに伝えてください。
Tell 'em.
Casual 'to those people'. Used in spoken Japanese when gesturing or referring to a specific group.
あの人たちに聞いてみて。
Ask 'em.