Translation guide
In Japanese, parentheses are primarily used in writing. The most common type is the corner bracket 「」, used for quotations and emphasis. Round parentheses （） are used for supplementary information, similar to English. Other brackets serve specialized roles.
To quote someone's words or to highlight a term, similar to English quotation marks or italics.
Corner brackets are the standard Japanese quotation marks. They enclose direct speech, thoughts, or emphasized terms. In vertical writing, they are rotated.
He said, "Yes."
"Thank you," she said.
Double corner brackets are used for titles of books, movies, or for quotes within quotes.
"I Am a Cat" is a novel by Natsume Soseki.
To add extra information or clarification, similar to English parentheses.
Round parentheses are used for supplementary explanations, readings, or alternatives. They function much like English parentheses.
He lives in Tokyo (the capital).
This book is interesting (especially the second half).
To show the pronunciation of kanji characters, often in small kana above or beside the text.
In horizontal text, furigana is often placed in parentheses after the kanji. In proper typesetting, it appears as small kana above the kanji (called ruby text).
People sometimes add readings to difficult kanji.
To indicate that something is optional or can be replaced.
Used to show that B is an alternative or optional part of A. Common in dictionaries or instructions.
Participants (those who wish) please apply.
To insert the writer's comment or clarification into a quoted text.
Used to add a note or explanation within a text, similar to [sic] or editorial brackets in English.
He said, "That's fine (note: no problem)."
Corner brackets 「」 are for quoting speech or emphasizing words, while round parentheses （） are for supplementary information or readings. Do not use round parentheses for direct quotes.
He said, "Yes."
He lives in Tokyo (the capital).
In formal writing, furigana is usually placed above kanji as ruby text, not in parentheses. Parenthetical readings are common in casual or digital contexts but may look unprofessional in print.