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.
I read the newspaper every day.
この本を読んだことがありますか。
Have you read this book?
Humble form used when you read something from a superior or customer. Common in business emails.
メールを拝読しました。
I have read your email.
To read and understand, often implying grasping the meaning or nuance. Used for reading situations, expressions, or data.
彼の表情から怒りを読み取った。
I read anger in his expression.
To speak written words out loud.
Specifically means reading aloud, often used in educational contexts.
生徒は教科書を音読した。
The students read the textbook aloud.
Reading aloud with expression, often for an audience. Used for poetry, stories, etc.
彼女は詩を朗読した。
She read the poem aloud.
A common phrase meaning 'to read out loud'. More casual than 音読.
声に出して読んでみてください。
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.
温度計を読む。
To read a thermometer.
ガスメーターを読む。
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.
彼は大学で歴史を専攻している。
He is reading history at university.
For a computer or device to access or retrieve data.
Commonly used for scanners, sensors, or computers reading data.
バーコードを読み取る。
To read a barcode.
To load or read in data, often used for files or programs.
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.
本を読んだ。
I read a book.
これ、読めますか。
Can you read this?
彼女は子供たちに物語を読んで聞かせた。
She read the story to the children.
I read through his lie.
ファイルを読み込む。
To read a file.