Translation guide
The English word 'reporter' refers to a person who gathers and reports news. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 記者 (kisha), but other terms exist depending on the medium, employment type, and context. This guide helps learners choose the right word and use it naturally.
To refer to a person who works for a newspaper, TV station, or news agency and reports news.
The standard word for a reporter working for a newspaper, magazine, TV, or radio. It is neutral and widely understood.
He is a newspaper reporter.
A press conference was held.
Loanword from English, often used for TV or radio reporters who appear on camera or report from the field. Can sound slightly more casual or media-specific than 記者.
Refers to a journalist, often with a connotation of investigative reporting or analysis. More formal and broader than 記者.
To emphasize that the reporter is at the location of an event, often broadcasting live.
Specifically means a reporter on the scene. Combines 現地 (local/on-site) with レポーター.
To state someone's occupation as a reporter.
Attach to the name of a newspaper, TV station, etc. to say 'a reporter for ~'.
To specify a reporter who is not employed by a single news organization.
Uses the loanword フリーランス (freelance) with 記者.
To refer to a person who transcribes court proceedings. Note: This is a different meaning from news reporter.
Specifically a court reporter (stenographer). Not to be confused with a news reporter covering trials.
記者 is the most common and neutral term for a reporter in any medium. レポーター is often used for TV/radio reporters, especially those appearing on camera or reporting live. ジャーナリスト implies a more analytical or investigative role and can be used for writers, editors, and commentators, not just reporters.
Newspaper reporters write articles every day.
She works as a TV reporter.
He is a famous journalist.
The on-site reporter is conveying the situation.
Refers to a reporter doing a live broadcast. 中継 means 'live relay'.
The live reporter will report from the scene.
He is a reporter for NHK.
Means 'the reporter in charge of ~' (a specific beat).
She is a political reporter.
He works as a freelance reporter.
A common term for a freelance journalist, often implying a broader scope than just reporting.
She travels the world as a freelance journalist.
The court reporter recorded the statements in the courtroom.
Stenographer; someone who takes dictation in shorthand. Can be used in legal or parliamentary contexts.
The stenographer creates the minutes of the parliamentary session.
The reporter is broadcasting live from the scene of the incident.
Journalists pursue the truth.
The word 報告者 (ほうこくしゃ) means 'person who reports' in a general sense (e.g., someone reporting results or incidents), but it is not used for a news reporter. Using it to mean a journalist would sound unnatural.
The presenter announced the results at the meeting.