Translation guide
The English word "register" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: official lists, recording information, expressing feelings, noticing something, and adjusting position. It does not cover obscure technical meanings.
To refer to an official list of names, items, or events, or the act of entering something into such a list.
The most common word for registration, enrollment, or entry into a list. Used for memberships, accounts, devices, etc.
Member registration is free.
Register a new device.
A roster or list of names, often for attendance or membership. More concrete than 登録.
Write your name on the attendance register.
Legal registration, such as for real estate, companies, or marriages. Used in official contexts.
Register real estate.
To officially record information or enroll in a system, course, or event.
The standard verb for registering for services, accounts, or memberships.
Register on the website.
Please register your email address.
To apply or sign up for something, often used for courses, events, or subscriptions. Implies an application process.
To record data or information, not necessarily for enrollment. Used for keeping logs or official records.
Record the experiment results.
To express or display an emotion, attitude, or level of something, often through facial expression or tone.
To show or indicate a feeling, quality, or measurement. Broadly used.
His face registered surprise.
The thermometer registered 40 degrees.
To express or manifest an emotion or abstract concept. Often used for facial expressions.
To show a subtle expression on one's face, like a smile or worry. Literary nuance.
To realize or notice something, often after a delay or when it finally makes an impact.
To notice or become aware of something. The most natural translation for "register" in the sense of realization.
What he said finally registered.
The importance of the news didn't register.
Literally "enter one's head," meaning to comprehend or register information. Often used when something finally makes sense.
The explanation finally registered.
To recognize or acknowledge something formally. More formal than 気づく.
Register the seriousness of the problem.
To adjust something so that it is in the correct position or alignment, often in printing or machinery.
English uses "register" for gradual realization, but Japanese prefers 気づく (notice) or 頭に入る (enter one's head). Avoid direct translations like 登録する for this meaning.
登録する is for entering information into a system (like a website). 申し込む is for applying or signing up for something that requires approval or selection (like a course or event). Use 登録 for accounts, 申し込む for applications.
I need to register for the conference.
If it's a simple online registration. If it requires application, use 申し込む.
Her name didn't register with me at first.
ピンとこない is a common phrase for something not clicking or registering.
Register for the seminar.
彼女の顔は悲しみを表していた。
Her face registered sadness.
彼は口元に笑みを浮かべた。
He registered a faint smile.