Translation guide
The academic field concerned with the collection, classification, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with a direct compound term, but the exact translation depends on whether you mean the broad interdisciplinary field or the more technical, computer-oriented study.
The broad study of information, including its nature, behavior, and management, often overlapping with library science and informatics.
The most common and direct translation for 'information science' as an academic discipline. It covers the theoretical and practical aspects of information processing and management.
彼女は大学で情報科学を専攻している。
She is majoring in information science at university.
A slightly broader term that can refer to informatics or the study of information in general. Often used in academic contexts, sometimes interchangeably with 情報科学.
情報学の分野は急速に発展している。
The field of information science is developing rapidly.
The study of information with a strong focus on computing, algorithms, and data processing, often overlapping with computer science.
Literally 'information engineering', this term emphasizes the applied, technical, and engineering aspects of information processing. It is common in university department names.
情報工学科ではプログラミングとデータベースを学ぶ。
In the information science department, we study programming and databases.
The study of information organization, cataloging, and preservation, often in libraries or archives.
Specifically 'library and information science', this term is used for the field that combines traditional library science with modern information technology.
図書館情報学の修士号を取得した。
I earned a master's degree in library and information science.
情報科学 is the safest general term for 'information science'. 情報工学 leans toward the engineering and applied computing side. 情報学 is a broader, more theoretical term sometimes used for 'informatics'. In many contexts, they overlap, but university departments often use one specifically to indicate their focus.
東京大学には情報理工学系研究科がある。
The University of Tokyo has a Graduate School of Information Science and Technology.
Literally 'computer science', this term is sometimes used when the focus is heavily on the computational and algorithmic side of information science.
計算機科学の理論は情報検索に応用される。
Theories from computer science are applied to information retrieval.