Translation guide
The English word "procedure" refers to a set of actions or steps for doing something, often in a formal or official context. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 手続き (tetsuzuki), but other words like 手順 (tejun) and 方法 (hōhō) are used depending on the nuance.
To refer to a required set of actions for official, legal, or administrative matters.
The standard word for formal procedures, such as applying for a visa, registering at a city hall, or filing paperwork. Often used with する to mean 'to go through procedures'.
ビザの申請手続きは複雑です。
The visa application procedure is complicated.
入学手続きをしなければなりません。
I have to complete the enrollment procedures.
The verb phrase meaning 'to carry out a procedure'. Very common in spoken and written Japanese.
明日、市役所で手続きをします。
I'll do the procedure at the city hall tomorrow.
To describe a series of actions in a specific order, often for practical tasks.
Focuses on the order of steps. Used for instructions, manuals, recipes, and technical processes.
この手順に従って組み立ててください。
Please assemble it following this procedure.
料理の手順を説明します。
I will explain the cooking procedure.
A more general word for 'method' or 'way'. Can be used for procedures, but is broader and less specific about the sequence.
To refer to a medical operation or treatment process.
Specifically means 'surgical operation'. Use this for invasive medical procedures.
彼は心臓の手術を受けた。
He underwent a heart procedure.
Refers to medical treatment or procedure, often non-surgical or emergency care. Used in phrases like 応急処置 (first aid).
医師が適切な処置を行った。
The doctor performed the appropriate procedure.
To refer to a fixed, often documented, set of rules or steps in an organization.
The direct translation of 'standard operating procedure'. Used in business and technical contexts. Often abbreviated as SOP.
この工場では標準作業手順を厳守している。
This factory strictly follows standard operating procedures.
Can also be used for established procedures in a company, though it often implies official paperwork.
苦情処理の手続きを確認してください。
Please check the complaint handling procedure.
手続き (tetsuzuki) is used for official, administrative, or legal procedures, often involving documents and formal steps. 手順 (tejun) is used for the order of steps in a practical process, like a recipe or assembly instructions. If you're talking about paperwork at a government office, use 手続き. If you're explaining how to do something step by step, use 手順.
The katakana word プロシージャ (puroshīja) exists but is mainly used in technical fields like programming (stored procedure) or medicine. It is not a natural translation for everyday 'procedure' and may sound unnatural.
正しい手洗いの方法を教えてください。
Please teach me the correct hand-washing procedure.