Translation guide
The English word "print" covers several distinct concepts: producing text/images on paper, writing in non-cursive style, publishing in a newspaper/magazine, making a photographic copy, and leaving a mark/impression. Each meaning maps to different Japanese expressions.
To output digital content onto paper using a printer or similar device.
General verb for printing documents, books, posters, etc. using a printing press or printer.
この書類を印刷してください。
Please print this document.
I printed the poster in color.
Common loanword from English, often used in casual or office settings for printing from a computer.
このファイルをプリントしてくれる？
Can you print this file for me?
Technical term meaning "to output," used for printing in computing contexts.
データをプリンターに出力する。
Output the data to the printer.
To write letters separately, not joined together, often for clarity on forms.
Literally "write in print style." Used when filling out forms to indicate block letters.
名前を活字体で書いてください。
Please print your name.
Uses the English loanword "block" to mean block letters.
ブロック体でお願いします。
Please print (in block letters).
To include an article, story, or advertisement in a printed publication.
To publish or carry an article/ad in a newspaper, magazine, website, etc.
その新聞は彼の記事を掲載した。
The newspaper printed his article.
雑誌に広告を掲載する。
Print an ad in a magazine.
Casual verb meaning "to put in/on" a publication; often used in conversation.
To produce a photograph from a negative or digital file, especially in traditional photography.
To print a photo from a negative onto paper; literally "burn onto."
フィルムから写真を焼き付ける。
Print photos from the film.
Common loanword also used for photo printing, especially digital.
デジカメの写真をプリントした。
I printed the digital camera photos.
To press something onto a surface, leaving a visible trace.
General phrase meaning "to leave a mark/trace."
泥の上に足跡をつけた。
He left footprints in the mud. (lit. printed footprints)
To press/stamp, used for fingerprints, seals, etc.
指紋を押す。
To print one's fingerprint (e.g., for identification).
When asking someone to write in block letters, do not use 印刷する (insatsu suru), which means mechanical printing. Use 活字体で書く or ブロック体で書く instead.
Both mean "to print" from a computer. 印刷する is more formal and standard; プリントする is a casual loanword often used in everyday conversation. In business settings, 印刷する is safer.
That story was printed in the newspaper.