Translation guide
A periodical is a publication released at regular intervals, such as a magazine, journal, or newspaper. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 雑誌 (zasshi) for magazines, but more specific terms exist for academic journals, newspapers, and other serials.
To refer to a regularly published magazine or periodical in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'magazine' or 'periodical'. It covers a wide range of publications, from weekly magazines to monthly journals.
この雑誌は毎月発行されます。
This magazine is published monthly.
彼は週刊雑誌を読んでいる。
He is reading a weekly magazine.
A formal term for 'periodical publication'. Used in library science, publishing, and official contexts.
図書館には多くの定期刊行物があります。
The library has many periodicals.
A technical term for 'serial publication', often used in library cataloging. Rare in everyday conversation.
逐次刊行物の分類は複雑です。
The classification of serials is complex.
To refer to a periodical that publishes academic or scholarly articles.
Specifically an academic or scholarly journal. Often used in university and research contexts.
彼女は学術雑誌に論文を発表した。
She published a paper in an academic journal.
Loanword from English, commonly used for academic or professional journals. Often part of a compound like 医学ジャーナル (medical journal).
A bulletin or journal published by a university or research institution, often containing papers by faculty or students.
To refer to a newspaper as a regularly published periodical.
To specify the frequency of a periodical.
Prefix meaning 'weekly'. Combine with 雑誌 or a specific magazine name.
週刊少年ジャンプは人気がある。
Weekly Shonen Jump is popular.
Prefix meaning 'monthly'. Combine with 雑誌 or a specific magazine name.
月刊誌を定期購読している。
I subscribe to a monthly magazine.
Prefix meaning 'quarterly'. Used for publications issued four times a year.
この季刊誌は学術的な内容だ。
This quarterly journal has scholarly content.
While 定期刊行物 is a direct translation, it sounds overly formal. In most everyday situations, use 雑誌 for magazines or 新聞 for newspapers. Reserve 定期刊行物 for official or library contexts.
雑誌 is a broad term for any magazine, including popular and hobbyist publications. ジャーナル is typically used for academic or professional journals and often implies a more serious, research-oriented publication.
毎月いくつかの雑誌を読んでいます。
I read several periodicals every month.
Using 雑誌 as a natural translation for 'periodicals' in a general sense.
その図書館には定期刊行物の大規模なコレクションがあります。
The library has a large collection of periodicals.
Using 定期刊行物 in a formal/library context.
このジャーナルは査読付きです。
This journal is peer-reviewed.
Submit to the university bulletin.