Translation guide
The English word 'informant' can refer to a person who provides information, often in contexts like journalism, law enforcement, or research. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the context and the informant's relationship to the information provider.
The police obtained an important clue from an informant.
Specifically a person who informs on others, often with a negative connotation of betrayal. Used for whistleblowers or snitches.
He infiltrated the organization as an informant.
An insider who secretly communicates with an outside party, often in espionage or betrayal contexts.
The informant leaked information to the enemy.
Loanword for 'spy', used when the informant is engaged in espionage. More specific than general informant.
He was working as a double agent (informant).
A person who provides information to a journalist or researcher, often as a source for a story or study.
Same as above, but also the standard term in journalism and research for a source.
The reporter received internal documents from an anonymous informant.
Specifically a news source; used in journalism for a person who provides information for a story.
A person who informs on fellow criminals to the authorities, often for personal gain.
Slang term for a snitch or informer, often used in police or yakuza contexts. Casual and somewhat derogatory.
That guy is an informant. Don't trust him.
Another slang term for a snitch, with a nuance of tattling or squealing. Often used by children or in casual talk.
The informant tipped off the police.
As above, but can be used in criminal contexts with a strong sense of betrayal.
Directly translating 'informant' as インフォーマント is only appropriate in very specific academic contexts. In most situations, use 情報提供者 or a context-specific term.
情報提供者 is neutral and can be used in official or professional settings. 密告者 implies secrecy and often betrayal, so it carries a negative connotation. Choose based on the nuance you want to convey.
Protecting informants (news sources) is important for freedom of the press.
The linguist collected dialect data from an informant.
The informant was eliminated by the organization.