Translation guide
The English word 'paperwork' refers to routine tasks involving documents, forms, or administrative records. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean the documents themselves, the act of filling them out, or the bureaucratic process.
Referring to the actual papers, forms, or documents that need to be filled out or processed.
The most common and general word for documents, forms, or paperwork. Can refer to both physical and digital documents.
Please fill out this paperwork.
I organize paperwork.
Literally 'document work', emphasizes the task aspect of dealing with paperwork. Often used when complaining about administrative burden.
There's so much paperwork, it's tough.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts but less common than 書類. May sound slightly jargon-like.
Reduce paperwork.
Referring to the process of dealing with official documents, applications, or red tape.
Means 'procedure' or 'formalities'. Often used when talking about the steps required to complete official paperwork.
The visa paperwork takes time.
Specifically 'administrative procedures' or 'clerical paperwork'. Emphasizes office-related tasks.
Simplify administrative paperwork.
The act of writing on forms, completing applications, or doing desk work involving documents.
Literally 'write documents'. A natural way to say you are doing paperwork, especially filling out forms.
I was doing paperwork all afternoon.
Means 'to fill in' or 'to write in' (a form). Used when the focus is on entering information into blanks.
Please fill in the required paperwork.
Clerical work or administrative tasks, which often include paperwork. Broader than just writing.
Expressing frustration about excessive or tedious paperwork.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'paperwork'. Using ペーパーワーク in casual conversation may sound unnatural. Instead, choose a word based on the specific context: documents (書類), procedures (手続き), or the act of writing (書類を書く).
書類 refers to the physical or digital documents themselves, while 手続き refers to the process or procedure. For example, 'visa paperwork' could be ビザの書類 (the forms) or ビザの手続き (the application process).
I hate paperwork.
We need to reduce paperwork.
The paperwork is finally done.
The paperwork at the government office is a hassle.
今日は事務作業がたくさんある。
I have a lot of paperwork to do today.
I want to finish this tedious paperwork quickly.