Translation guide
The English word 'localisation' (or 'localization') refers to adapting a product, content, or service to a specific locale or market. In Japanese, the concept is commonly expressed using the loanword ローカライゼーション or the native term 現地化. This guide covers how to express the idea naturally in various contexts.
localisation (noun)
Most common term in business and tech.
to localise
Verb form, often used in software/gaming.
To refer to the process of making something suitable for a particular country, region, or culture, especially in business, software, or media.
The most common and direct equivalent, widely used in business and tech contexts. Often shortened to ローカライズ.
The localisation of this software will be completed next month.
A native Japanese term meaning 'localisation', often used in formal or business documents. Slightly more formal than ローカライゼーション.
To describe something that has already been localised, or the quality of being suitable for a local audience.
Means 'adapted to the local area'. Used to describe products, services, or content that have been successfully localised.
A localised marketing strategy is necessary.
Literally 'already localised'. A concise way to indicate that localisation has been completed.
This app has been localised.
To emphasize the translation and cultural adaptation aspects of localisation, beyond mere linguistic conversion.
Explicitly mentions both translation and cultural adaptation, useful when clarifying the scope of localisation work.
Localisation includes translation and cultural adaptation.
Both mean 'localisation'. ローカライゼーション is more common in IT and gaming, while 現地化 is slightly more formal and used in broader business contexts. They are often interchangeable.
software localisation
product localisation
When using ローカライズ as a verb, it conjugates as a regular suru-verb: ローカライズする (to localise), ローカライズした (localised), ローカライズしている (is localising).
We are localising this website.
海外展開には現地化が不可欠です。
Localisation is essential for overseas expansion.
The verb form 'to localise', often used as a suru-verb (ローカライズする). Very common in tech and gaming industries.
We plan to localise this game into Japanese.