Translation guide
The English word 'reportage' refers to the act or style of reporting news, often with a literary or documentary quality. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this concept depending on the nuance—whether it's a factual news report, a documentary-style account, or a literary journalistic work.
Referring to the general activity or profession of reporting news events.
The most common and neutral term for news reporting or journalism. Covers the gathering and dissemination of news.
その事件は広く報道された。
The incident was widely reported.
Refers specifically to the act of gathering information, conducting interviews, or covering a story. Often used in the context of journalistic fieldwork.
記者は現場で取材を行った。
The reporter conducted on-site reporting.
Loanword from English 'journalism'. Used for the broader field or profession, often with a slightly more academic or Western connotation.
彼はジャーナリズムの世界で活躍している。
He is active in the world of journalism.
Describing a style of reporting that is in-depth, narrative, or has literary qualities, similar to 'literary reportage'.
Direct loanword from French 'reportage', used in Japanese for in-depth, often literary or documentary-style reporting. Common in literary and journalistic contexts.
彼のルポルタージュは戦争の現実を描いている。
His reportage depicts the reality of war.
Abbreviation of ルポルタージュ, commonly used in casual or media contexts. Refers to a reportage piece or documentary article.
週刊誌に面白いルポが載っていた。
There was an interesting piece of reportage in the weekly magazine.
Referring to a single piece of reportage, such as an article or news story.
General term for a news article or report in a newspaper, magazine, or online.
昨日の新聞にその記事が載っていた。
The article was in yesterday's newspaper.
Loanword for 'report'. Can refer to a written report, often in academic or business contexts, but also used for journalistic reports.
報道 is the standard term for news reporting in general, while ルポルタージュ (or ルポ) implies a more in-depth, often literary or documentary approach. Use ルポルタージュ when you want to emphasize the narrative or investigative style.
テレビの報道は速いが、ルポルタージュは深い。
TV news reporting is fast, but reportage is deep.
レポート is often used for academic or business reports. For journalistic reportage, 記事 or ルポ are more natural.
彼女の難民危機に関するルポルタージュが賞を受賞した。
Her reportage on the refugee crisis won an award.
その新聞は調査報道で知られている。
The newspaper is known for its investigative reportage.
Loanword for 'documentary'. Often used for film or video, but can also refer to written documentary-style reporting.
その本は貧困に関するドキュメンタリーだ。
That book is a documentary about poverty.
Loanword for 'non-fiction'. Can encompass reportage but is broader, including any factual writing.
彼女はノンフィクション作家として有名だ。
She is famous as a non-fiction writer.
彼は現地からレポートを送った。
He sent a report from the field.