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.
彼は新聞記者です。
He is a newspaper reporter.
記者会見が開かれた。
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.
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.
現地レポーターが状況を伝えています。
The on-site reporter is conveying the situation.
To state someone's occupation as a reporter.
Attach to the name of a newspaper, TV station, etc. to say 'a reporter for ~'.
彼はNHKの記者です。
He is a reporter for NHK.
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.
彼はフリーランスの記者として活動している。
He works as a freelance reporter.
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.
廷記者が法廷での発言を記録した。
The court reporter recorded the statements in the courtroom.
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.
新聞記者は毎日記事を書く。
Newspaper reporters write articles every day.
レポーターが事件現場から中継している。
The reporter is broadcasting live from the scene of the incident.
彼女はテレビのレポーターとして働いている。
She works as a TV reporter.
Refers to a journalist, often with a connotation of investigative reporting or analysis. More formal and broader than 記者.
彼は有名なジャーナリストだ。
He is a famous journalist.
Refers to a reporter doing a live broadcast. 中継 means 'live relay'.
中継レポーターが現場から報告します。
The live reporter will report from the scene.
Means 'the reporter in charge of ~' (a specific beat).
彼女は政治担当の記者だ。
She is a political reporter.
A common term for a freelance journalist, often implying a broader scope than just reporting.
彼女はフリージャーナリストとして世界中を旅している。
She travels the world as a freelance journalist.
Stenographer; someone who takes dictation in shorthand. Can be used in legal or parliamentary contexts.
速記者が議会の議事録を作成する。
The stenographer creates the minutes of the parliamentary session.
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.
報告者は会議で結果を発表した。
The presenter announced the results at the meeting.
ジャーナリストは真実を追求する。
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.
報告者は会議で結果を発表した。
The presenter announced the results at the meeting.