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.
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.
Can you print this file for me?
Technical term meaning "to output," used for printing in computing contexts.
Output the data to the printer.
To write letters separately, not joined together, often for clarity on forms.
To include an article, story, or advertisement in a printed publication.
To produce a photograph from a negative or digital file, especially in traditional photography.
To press something onto a surface, leaving a visible trace.
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.
To print one's fingerprint (e.g., for identification).