Translation guide
The act of broadcasting video and audio in real time over the internet. This guide covers how to talk about live streaming in Japanese, including the activity itself, the broadcast, and related actions.
live streaming
to live stream
Referring to the general concept or act of live streaming.
The most common and natural term for live streaming. It combines 'live' and 'distribution/broadcast'. Used for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, etc.
I'll do a live stream tonight.
Literally 'raw broadcast', emphasizing the live, unedited nature. Slightly more casual or emphatic than ライブ配信.
Referring to a specific live broadcast or stream.
The action of broadcasting live.
The standard verb phrase. する means 'to do', so literally 'to do live streaming'.
Referring to the platform or service used for live streaming.
Generic term for live streaming service.
ライブ配信 is the most common and neutral term for internet live streaming. 生配信 emphasizes the 'raw' live aspect and is slightly more casual. 生放送 is often used for traditional TV/radio live broadcasts but can apply to internet streams, carrying a more formal tone.
Watch a live stream on YouTube.
I watched her live stream yesterday.
He live streams games every day.
It's a live stream, so you can't erase mistakes.
Direct loanword from English. Understood, but less common than ライブ配信. Often used in technical contexts.
Live streaming technology is advancing.
Same term as the activity, but used to refer to the stream itself. Context makes it clear.
Did you watch yesterday's live stream?
Literally 'live broadcast'. Often used for TV-style live broadcasts, but also applies to internet streams. Slightly more formal.
That live broadcast attracted many viewers.
Short for 'live stream'. Very casual, used among gamers and online communities. Can be ambiguous with live music performances.
I'm gonna start a live stream now!
I plan to live stream on the weekend.
Verb phrase using 生配信. Slightly more casual.
I'm going to live stream now.
Shortened verb meaning 'to stream' or 'to broadcast'. Often used when context makes 'live' clear. Can also mean on-demand streaming.
Without ライブ or 生, it may not explicitly mean 'live'. Use context or add ライブ for clarity.
I stream games every night.
A new live streaming service has launched.
More technical term, 'live streaming platform'.
Which live streaming platform do you use?
The unexpected happenings unique to live streaming are interesting.
Appear on a live TV broadcast.
In many online contexts, simply saying 配信する is enough to mean 'live stream' if the situation is clear. However, to avoid ambiguity with on-demand streaming, add ライブ or 生 when needed.
彼は今、ライブ配信をしています。
He is live streaming right now.
Live streaming has become very popular.