Translation guide
A broadcast transmitted in real time, as opposed to pre-recorded. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with 生放送 (namahousou) or 生中継 (namachuukei), depending on whether it's a studio program or a remote relay.
A program or stream that is aired as it happens, not pre-recorded.
The most common and general term for a live broadcast, used for TV, radio, and internet streaming. It emphasizes that the content is not recorded.
The program will be broadcast live.
Refers specifically to a live program (as a noun), often used in TV scheduling contexts.
A broadcast from a location outside the studio, such as a sports event or news scene.
Specifically a live relay or outside broadcast. Used when the camera crew is at a remote location transmitting back to the station.
We will bring you the game live via remote broadcast.
A live broadcast with commentary, often used for sports or events. Emphasizes the play-by-play narration.
Enjoy the live commentary broadcast.
Describing something as being broadcast live.
The adverbial form meaning 'live' or 'in real time'. Can be used with verbs like 放送する, 見る, 聞く.
The concert was broadcast live.
I want to watch it live.
Attributive form meaning 'live' (e.g., live broadcast, live performance). Used before nouns.
Watching a live broadcast makes me nervous.
生放送 is a general live broadcast (studio or stream). 生中継 specifically means a live relay from a remote location. Use 生放送 for most cases; use 生中継 when emphasizing the outside broadcast aspect.
The prefix 生 (nama) can attach to many words to mean 'live': 生演奏 (live music performance), 生声 (live voice, not recorded), 生放送 (live broadcast). It's a productive pattern.
The news is broadcast live at 7 PM.
We are now live from the stadium.
An incident occurred during the live broadcast.
Commonly used for internet live streaming, especially on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. More casual and modern than 生放送.
I'll do a live stream at 8 tonight.
This channel has many live programs.
We are live from the scene.