Translation guide
The English word 'news' covers a range of meanings from current events reports to personal updates. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ニュース, but other words like 知らせ, 便り, and 報道 are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
Referring to news about what is happening in the world, typically from TV, newspapers, or online.
The most common and versatile word for 'news' in the sense of current events. Used for TV news, online news, etc.
今朝のニュースで地震のことを知った。
I learned about the earthquake on the morning news.
その事件は大きなニュースになった。
That incident became big news.
More formal, often used for news reporting or media coverage. Common in compound words like 報道機関 (news media).
そのニュースは広く報道された。
The news was widely reported.
Can mean 'news' in the sense of a notification or announcement, but more commonly used for personal news. For current events, ニュース is preferred.
訃報の知らせを受け取った。
I received news of the death.
Information about someone's life, such as a new job, marriage, or a letter from a friend.
The most natural word for personal news or tidings. Often used in phrases like 良い知らせ (good news) or 知らせを聞く (hear news).
彼から良い知らせが届いた。
I received good news from him.
何か知らせがあったら教えてください。
Please let me know if there is any news.
Often implies a letter or message, and can mean 'news' in the sense of correspondence. Slightly literary or warm.
Can be used for personal news in casual contexts, but 知らせ is more natural for intimate updates.
Referring specifically to a news show or segment on TV or radio.
Used for the news program itself. Often combined with 番組 (program) as ニュース番組.
毎晩9時のニュースを見る。
I watch the 9 o'clock news every night.
News that is new, surprising, or currently trending.
Means 'breaking news' or 'flash report'. Often seen on TV or news websites.
地震の速報が入った。
Breaking news of an earthquake came in.
Means 'topic' or 'subject of conversation'. Used when something is the talk of the town.
ニュース is for public, media-related news. 知らせ is for personal updates or notifications. Using ニュース for a friend's wedding can sound impersonal; using 知らせ for a political event is odd.
彼の結婚の知らせを聞いた。
I heard the news of his marriage.
今日のニュースで株価が下がったと言っていた。
Today's news said stock prices fell.
The English word 'news' can sometimes mean 'new information' or 'something new', but ニュース does not carry that meaning. Use 新しい情報 or 新着情報 instead.
サイトに新着情報が追加された。
News has been added to the site.
I had news from my hometown after a long time.
Her pregnancy is happy news.
Explicitly means 'news program'.
あのニュース番組は信頼できる。
That news program is reliable.
That movie is the news right now.