Translation guide
The English word 'proof' covers several distinct ideas: evidence that something is true, a test version of something, a mathematical or logical demonstration, and the strength of alcohol. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
何か証拠はありますか？
Do you have any proof?
You want to say that something shows or proves a fact, claim, or statement is correct.
The most common and general word for physical or factual evidence. Used in legal, everyday, and formal contexts.
彼が犯人だという証拠はない。
There is no proof that he is the culprit.
その写真が証拠になる。
That photo will serve as proof.
Refers to the act of proving or a formal demonstration of truth, often used for documents, certificates, or mathematical proofs.
身分証明書を見せてください。
Please show me some proof of identity.
この書類が住所の証明になります。
This document serves as proof of address.
Supporting evidence or corroboration that backs up a claim. Often used in news or academic contexts.
その説には科学的な裏付けがない。
There is no scientific proof for that theory.
A somewhat literary or formal word for proof or evidence, often used in set phrases.
それは彼の無実の証だ。
That is proof of his innocence.
You are talking about a preliminary version of a document, design, or product that is checked before final production.
Specifically refers to proofreading or a proof copy of printed material. Used in publishing and printing.
校正刷りをチェックする。
Check the proof sheets.
最終校正をお願いします。
Please do the final proofreading.
A test print or proof print, often used for photos or artwork.
Loanword from English, used in design and printing industries for a proof copy.
You are talking about a rigorous argument that establishes the truth of a statement in mathematics or logic.
The standard term for a mathematical proof.
この定理の証明は難しい。
The proof of this theorem is difficult.
Logical proof or demonstration, often used in philosophy or formal logic.
You are referring to the measure of ethanol content in an alcoholic beverage.
Standard term for alcohol by volume (ABV).
このウイスキーはアルコール度数が高い。
This whiskey is high proof.
Loanword used specifically for the US/UK proof system, not commonly understood by general Japanese speakers.
アメリカでは80プルーフが標準です。
In the US, 80 proof is standard.
You want to describe something that is resistant to or protected from something else, like water or fire.
Suffix meaning 'resistance to ~'. Attach to nouns like 水 (water) or 火 (fire).
この時計は防水耐性があります。
This watch is water-resistant.
Phrase meaning 'strong against ~'. More colloquial than 耐性.
この素材は熱に強い。
This material is heat-proof.
Prefix meaning 'proof against' or 'prevention of'. Common in compounds like 防水 (waterproof) or 防火 (fireproof).
防水ジャケットを着てください。
Please wear a waterproof jacket.
証拠 (しょうこ) is concrete evidence (objects, facts), while 証明 (しょうめい) is the act of proving or a formal certificate. Use 証拠 for 'proof' in the sense of clues or physical evidence, and 証明 for mathematical proofs or official documents.
The loanword プルーフ is only used in specialized contexts like printing or alcohol. Using it for evidence or mathematical proof will sound unnatural.
× プルーフがない。
Intended: There's no proof.
○ 証拠がない。
Correct: There's no proof.
購入証明を見せていただけますか？
Can you show me proof of purchase?
試し刷りを見てから注文します。
I'll order after seeing the proof print.
デザインのプルーフを確認する。
Check the design proof.
彼の論証には欠陥がある。
His proof has a flaw.