Translation guide
The process of writing Japanese in the Latin alphabet (romaji). This guide covers how to express the concept of romanization in Japanese, including common terms, verbs, and related expressions.
Referring to the process or system of writing Japanese using the Latin alphabet.
The most common and neutral term for 'romanization' as a system or notation.
日本語のローマ字表記にはいくつかの方式があります。
There are several systems for the romanization of Japanese.
Literally 'romanization' as a process of converting to romaji. Slightly more technical.
このソフトは漢字を自動でローマ字化します。
This software automatically romanizes kanji.
Often used to mean 'romanization' in context, though it primarily means 'romaji' (Latin letters used for Japanese).
この単語のローマ字を教えてください。
Please tell me the romanization of this word.
Expressing the action of converting Japanese text into romaji.
The most natural way to say 'to write in romaji' or 'to romanize' in everyday speech.
名前をローマ字で書いてください。
Please write your name in romaji.
A more technical verb meaning 'to romanize', often used in computing or linguistics.
このプログラムは日本語のテキストをローマ字化します。
This program romanizes Japanese text.
Literally 'convert to romaji', a clear and common phrase.
漢字をローマ字に変換する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to convert kanji to romaji.
Referring to specific romanization systems like Hepburn, Kunrei-shiki, etc.
Hepburn romanization, the most widely used system for English speakers.
ヘボン式は英語話者にとって読みやすいです。
Hepburn romanization is easy to read for English speakers.
Kunrei-shiki romanization, the official system in Japan but less common internationally.
Nihon-shiki romanization, a strictly phonemic system, mostly of historical interest.
In Japanese, ローマ字 (romaji) often refers to both the Latin alphabet used for Japanese and the act of writing in it. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
ローマ字が読めますか？
Can you read romaji?
訓令式は日本の小学校で教えられます。
Kunrei-shiki is taught in Japanese elementary schools.
日本式は訓令式の原型です。
Nihon-shiki is the prototype of Kunrei-shiki.