Translation guide
The English word "process" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common translations depend on whether you mean a series of steps (工程, 過程), a method of doing something (方法, 手順), or processing something (処理). This guide breaks down the main uses for learners.
Describing a sequence of operations, stages, or a course of action, often in work, manufacturing, or natural development.
Refers to a process in manufacturing, production, or a work procedure. Emphasizes the steps or stages in a system.
The manufacturing process for this product is complicated.
We need to improve the process.
Refers to a process as a progression or course of events, often natural, historical, or abstract. Focuses on the development over time.
I'm studying the process of evolution.
I learned a lot in the process.
Loanword from English, used in business, IT, and general contexts. Often interchangeable with 過程 or 工程 but can sound more modern or technical.
Let's automate this process.
Refers to the passage or course of time, or the progress of something. Often used in medical or formal contexts (e.g., progress of a disease).
The post-operative process is going well.
Referring to a procedure, system, or set of rules for accomplishing a task.
General word for method or way. Use when 'process' means 'how to do something'.
Let's try a new process.
Refers to a procedure, steps, or protocol. Emphasizes the order of actions.
Colloquial for 'way of doing'. Often used in everyday speech.
When 'process' means to handle documents, applications, data, or materials through a formal procedure.
Refers to processing, handling, or dealing with something. Common in administrative, computing, and technical contexts.
It takes time to process the application.
Process data.
Refers to procedures or formalities, often for official processes like visa applications or registrations.
Referring to a physiological, chemical, or natural mechanism.
When 'process' refers to a legal action or a court summons.
工程 (こうてい) is for concrete, often industrial or work-related steps. 過程 (かてい) is for abstract or natural progressions. プロセス is a flexible loanword that can replace both in many modern contexts, but may sound less formal in traditional writing.
English often uses 'process' where Japanese prefers a verb phrase or a different noun. For example, 'the process of learning' is naturally 学習過程, but 'I'm in the process of moving' is better expressed as 引っ越し中です or 引っ越しの最中です.
We are in the process of reviewing your application.
Often expressed with 〜中 (ちゅう) instead of a noun for 'process'.
It's a slow process.
Please follow the process.
そのやり方は非効率的だ。
That process is inefficient.
ビザの手続きは面倒だ。
The visa process is troublesome.
It is broken down by a chemical process.
召喚状が届いた。
I received a process (summons).