Translation guide
The English verb "read" covers many distinct actions and nuances. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
To look at and comprehend written or printed words.
The most common and general verb for reading. Covers books, newspapers, letters, signs, etc.
毎日新聞を読む。
I read the newspaper every day.
Have you read this book?
Humble form used when you read something from a superior or customer. Common in business emails.
I have read your email.
To read and understand, often implying grasping the meaning or nuance. Used for reading situations, expressions, or data.
I read anger in his expression.
To speak written words out loud.
Specifically means reading aloud, often used in educational contexts.
The students read the textbook aloud.
Reading aloud with expression, often for an audience. Used for poetry, stories, etc.
She read the poem aloud.
A common phrase meaning 'to read out loud'. More casual than 音読.
Please try reading it out loud.
To understand or interpret something non-textual, like a situation, mood, or person's feelings.
To look at and note the measurement shown on a meter, gauge, etc.
Used for reading meters, thermometers, etc.
To read a thermometer.
To read the gas meter.
To study a subject at a university (British English usage).
Means 'to major in'. The standard way to say you study a subject at university.
He is reading history at university.
For a computer or device to access or retrieve data.
While 読む can be used metaphorically, it doesn't cover all nuances of 'read' as in 'read a situation'. For example, 'I read his silence as agreement' is better expressed with 解釈する (かいしゃくする) or 受け取る (うけとる).
読む is general reading (silent or aloud). 音読する explicitly means reading aloud, often in class. 朗読する is reading aloud with artistic expression, like a performance.
I read a book.
Can you read this?
She read the story to the children.
彼の嘘を見抜いた。
I read through his lie.
ファイルを読み込む。
To read a file.