Translation guide
The English word "report" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a formal written document, a news story, an account of an event, or the act of telling someone about something.
A structured document presenting information, findings, or analysis, often in academic, business, or official contexts.
The standard term for a formal written report, such as a business report, research report, or official document. It emphasizes the written, documented nature.
会議の報告書を作成してください。
Please prepare a report of the meeting.
彼は実験の報告書を提出した。
He submitted a report on the experiment.
A loanword from English, commonly used for academic reports, assignments, or less formal written summaries. Often used in university settings.
週末までに歴史のレポートを書かなければならない。
I have to write a history report by the weekend.
An alternative spelling of レポート, less common. Sometimes used in broadcasting contexts for a reporter's piece, but for written reports, レポート is preferred.
彼はその事件についてのリポートを書いた。
He wrote a report about the incident.
A piece of journalism presenting information about an event or topic, typically in newspapers, TV, or online media.
Refers to news reporting in general, or a specific news report. It emphasizes the act of disseminating information to the public.
その事件は大きく報道された。
The incident was widely reported.
新聞の報道によると、事故の原因はまだ不明だ。
According to newspaper reports, the cause of the accident is still unknown.
Specifically a news article or story in a newspaper, magazine, or website. It refers to the written piece itself.
General term for news. Can be used for a news report, especially in broadcast contexts.
A spoken or written description of something that happened, often given to someone in authority or to inform others.
The most general term for reporting information, either verbally or in writing. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (報告する).
彼は上司に進捗状況を報告した。
He reported his progress to his boss.
事故の報告を受けて、警察が動き出した。
Upon receiving the report of the accident, the police took action.
Used for reporting an incident to authorities, such as police or fire department. Implies an urgent or official notification.
A formal notification or report to an official body, often required by law (e.g., change of address, birth).
A formal declaration or report, especially for taxes or customs. Used in legal and administrative contexts.
The act of informing someone, often a superior or authority, about an event, situation, or progress.
The standard verb for reporting. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but carries a sense of conveying information to someone who needs to know.
結果が分かり次第、報告します。
I will report as soon as I know the results.
何か問題があればすぐに報告してください。
If there are any problems, please report them immediately.
A more general verb meaning 'to inform' or 'to let someone know'. It is less formal than 報告する and can be used in everyday situations.
Means 'to convey' or 'to tell'. It is used when passing on information, but does not have the formal nuance of reporting to an authority.
To make a formal complaint about someone's behavior to an authority figure.
Commonly used by children to mean 'tattle' or 'tell on' someone. It can also be used by adults in a less formal sense of reporting someone's misbehavior.
弟がお菓子を食べたことを母に言いつけた。
I told on my little brother for eating the sweets.
Slang term meaning to snitch or rat someone out. Very informal.
誰が先生にチクったんだ？
Who snitched to the teacher?
Formal term for informing on someone, often to authorities, with a nuance of betrayal or whistleblowing.
内部告発者が会社の不正を密告した。
A whistleblower reported the company's misconduct.
The sharp sound produced by a firearm or explosive device.
Specifically the sound of a gunshot. Used when referring to the report of a firearm.
遠くで銃声が聞こえた。
I heard the report of a gun in the distance.
The sound of an explosion. Can be used for the report of a bomb or blast.
General word for 'sound'. In context, it can refer to the report of a gun or explosion, but it is less specific.
銃の音がした。
There was the report of a gun.
報告 (ほうこく) is the most general term for reporting information, often verbally or in a summary document. 報告書 (ほうこくしょ) is specifically the written report document. レポート is a loanword used mainly for academic or less formal written reports. 報道 (ほうどう) is used for news reporting by media outlets.
While レポート can mean 'report', it is not used for news reports. Use 報道 or 記事 for news stories.
気候変動についてのレポートを書く必要がある。
I need to write a report on climate change.
天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうだ。
The news report said it will rain tomorrow.
Here 'report' is part of 'weather report', which is 天気予報.
不審な行動を見かけたら、スタッフに報告してください。
Please report any suspicious activity to the staff.
There was a report about the election in this morning's paper.
I learned about the accident from a TV news report.
火事を通報する。
To report a fire.
不審な人物を見かけたら警察に通報してください。
If you see a suspicious person, please report it to the police.
住所変更の届け出をする。
To file a report of change of address.
税関で持ち物を申告する。
To declare (report) your belongings at customs.
遅れる場合は必ず知らせてください。
If you are going to be late, please be sure to let me know (report it).
会議の内容を上司に伝えておきます。
I will report the contents of the meeting to the boss.
大きな爆発音がして、建物が揺れた。
There was a loud report, and the building shook.