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.
I learned about the earthquake on the morning news.
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).
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.
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).
I received good news from him.
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.
News that is new, surprising, or currently trending.
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.
I heard the news of his marriage.
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.
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'.
That news program is reliable.
That movie is the news right now.