Translation guide
The act of imitating someone or something, often with the goal of equaling or surpassing them. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether the imitation is respectful, competitive, or technical (such as in computing).
To follow someone's example out of admiration, often with the aim of achieving similar excellence.
General term for imitation or copying, often used in neutral or positive contexts when referring to following a model.
彼は師匠の技術を模倣しようと努力した。
He strove to emulate his master's technique.
To use someone as a model or example; implies active emulation of a person's behavior or achievements.
彼女は姉を手本にして勉強した。
She studied hard, emulating her older sister.
To learn by observing and imitating; often used when someone tries to acquire a skill or virtue from a role model.
彼の勤勉さを見習いたい。
I want to emulate his diligence.
Loanword from English, used mainly in technical or academic contexts, or when referring to the concept in a Western framework.
この研究は伝統的な技法のエミュレーションに焦点を当てている。
This research focuses on the emulation of traditional techniques.
To imitate someone with the aim of equaling or surpassing them, often in a competitive context.
To compete or vie with someone, often by trying to match or outdo them.
彼はいつも兄と張り合っている。
He is always trying to emulate (and outdo) his older brother.
To oppose or rival; implies a competitive stance where one tries to match another's performance.
新製品はライバル会社の製品に対抗するために開発された。
The new product was developed to emulate (and compete with) the rival company's product.
To imitate the function of another system, especially in software or hardware.
The standard term in computing for emulation, such as running software designed for another platform.
このソフトは古いゲーム機のエミュレーションを可能にする。
This software enables emulation of old game consoles.
Can be used in technical contexts to mean imitation or simulation, but less common than the loanword.
To copy someone's mannerisms, style, or behavior, sometimes without deep understanding.
Common word for imitation or copying, can be neutral or negative depending on context.
子供は親の口調を真似する。
Children emulate their parents' way of speaking.
Also used for stylistic imitation, often in arts or literature.
模倣 (もほう) is more formal and often used in academic or technical contexts, while 真似 (まね) is casual and common in everyday speech. 真似 can sometimes imply a lack of originality, whereas 模倣 is more neutral.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'emulate' as 模倣する can sound stiff. Instead, use phrases like 手本にする or 見習う when talking about following someone's example.
This program attempts the emulation of human thought processes.
His work is merely an emulation of the classics.