Translation guide
The English word 'information' covers a wide range of meanings, from factual data and news to personal details and knowledge. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 情報 (じょうほう), but depending on context, other words like 案内 (あんない), 知らせ (しらせ), or even こと (事) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
You want to refer to information in a broad sense: facts, data, knowledge, or details about something.
The most common and versatile word for 'information'. It covers data, intelligence, news, and knowledge. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
この情報は正しいですか？
Is this information correct?
もっと情報が必要です。
I need more information.
Specifically refers to data, often in a digital or statistical context. Use when talking about computer data, research data, etc.
このデータを分析してください。
Please analyze this data.
You need information about how to do something, where to go, or details about a service or event.
Refers to guidance, directions, or information about services, events, or locations. Often used at information desks or in brochures.
観光案内所はどこですか？
Where is the tourist information center?
イベントの案内を送ります。
I will send you information about the event.
Means 'explanation' or 'description'. Use when you want information that explains how something works or what something is.
You want to talk about information that is new or being communicated, like news or a notice.
Means 'news', 'notice', or 'tidings'. Often used for personal or informal notifications.
良い知らせがあります。
I have good news (information).
Specifically means 'news' in the media sense. Use for current events or reports.
Means 'report' or 'account'. Used in formal or business contexts when information is presented officially.
You are talking about information related to a person, such as contact details, background, or private data.
Specifically means 'personal information'. Used in contexts of privacy, forms, and data protection.
個人情報を入力してください。
Please enter your personal information.
A somewhat formal or literary term for personal circumstances or background. Often used in set phrases like 身上調査 (background check).
You want to express the idea of having or lacking knowledge or information about something.
Means 'knowledge'. Use when information is accumulated and understood, often in an academic or general sense.
彼はコンピューターの知識が豊富だ。
He has a lot of knowledge (information) about computers.
Can also be used for knowledge, especially when it's specific or newly acquired.
You are looking for a place or person that provides information, like a help desk or reception.
Means 'information desk' or 'information center'. Commonly found in stations, airports, and tourist spots.
駅の案内所で聞いてください。
Please ask at the station information desk.
Means 'reception desk' or 'front desk'. Often the place to get information in an office or hotel.
You want to talk about information that is not meant to be shared publicly.
Means 'confidential information' or 'secret information'. Used in business, legal, or personal contexts.
これは秘密情報です。
This is confidential information.
A casual word meaning 'secret' or 'confidential'. Often used among friends or family.
In some contexts, 'information' can be replaced by a more general word like 'thing' or 'matter' in Japanese.
A very general word meaning 'thing' or 'matter'. In some sentences, 'information' can be naturally translated as こと when the context is clear.
それについて何か知っていることはありますか？
Do you have any information about that? (lit. Do you know anything about that?)
情報 (じょうほう) is the general word for 'information' as data or knowledge. 案内 (あんない) is specifically for guidance, directions, or practical details about services and events. Use 案内 when you would say 'information' in the sense of 'guide' or 'directions' in English.
旅行の情報を集める。
Gather travel information (general facts, tips).
旅行の案内をもらう。
Get travel information (brochures, directions, schedules).
In English, 'information' is used in many set phrases where Japanese uses a different structure. For example, 'for your information' is often 参考までに (さんこうまでに) or ご参考まで (ごさんこうまで), not 情報のために. 'Information desk' is 案内所, not 情報デスク. Pay attention to natural collocations.
情報 is very productive in compounds: 情報化社会 (information society), 情報技術 (information technology), 情報源 (information source). When in doubt, 情報 is a safe choice for most modern contexts.
電車の時刻について何か情報がありますか？
Do you have any information about the train schedule?
決める前にもっと情報が必要です。
I need more information before I decide.
観光案内はどこでもらえますか？
Where can I get tourist information?
使い方の説明を読んでください。
Please read the instructions (information on how to use it).
Is that news (information) true?
調査の報告を受けました。
I received the report (information) of the investigation.
身上調査が行われた。
A background check (personal information investigation) was conducted.
その件について情報を持っていますか？
Do you have any information about that matter?
受付で情報をもらえます。
You can get information at the reception desk.
I'll tell you some secret information.