Translation guide
The English word "screen" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a physical partition, a display surface, a movie/theater screen, and the act of screening or concealing. It also touches on related concepts like screening tests and sieves.
The flat panel or surface on which images and data are shown on electronic devices.
The most common and general word for the display screen of a TV, computer, smartphone, etc. Refers to the entire visual output area.
スマホの画面が割れてしまった。
My smartphone screen cracked.
画面の明るさを調整してください。
Please adjust the screen brightness.
A loanword from English, used for screens in specific contexts like projection screens, movie screens, or sometimes computer screens. Less common than 画面 for personal devices.
プロジェクターのスクリーンを下ろしてください。
Please pull down the projector screen.
Refers specifically to the display hardware, often used in technical or commercial contexts. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
このパソコンのディスプレイは4Kに対応しています。
This computer's display supports 4K.
A movable or fixed panel used to separate spaces, block views, or provide privacy.
A traditional Japanese free-standing, single-panel screen used as a room divider or to block drafts. Often found in homes, restaurants, or traditional settings.
部屋の入り口についたてを置いた。
I placed a screen at the entrance of the room.
A folding screen consisting of multiple panels, often decorated with art. Used in traditional Japanese rooms or as a decorative piece.
A modern, often office-style partition. Used for dividing spaces in offices, clinics, or event venues. More functional than decorative.
The large surface onto which films or images are projected in a cinema or theater.
The standard word for a movie screen or projection screen. Used in cinemas, home theaters, and presentations.
映画館の大きなスクリーンで見ると迫力が違う。
Watching on the big screen at the movie theater is a totally different experience.
Literally 'silver screen', a poetic or nostalgic term for the cinema screen. Often used in phrases like '銀幕のスター' (star of the silver screen).
To examine or evaluate people or things in order to separate or select them.
To screen, judge, or examine applications, candidates, or submissions. Often used in formal contexts like job screenings, award selections, or document reviews.
応募書類を審査して、候補者を絞ります。
We will screen the application documents and narrow down the candidates.
To sort, screen, or separate based on quality or criteria. Can be used for physical items (e.g., fruit) or abstract selections.
不良品を選別する工程が必要だ。
A process to screen out defective products is necessary.
Literally 'to pass through a sieve', used metaphorically to mean screening or filtering out candidates or options. Slightly informal.
多数の応募者をふるいにかけて、最終面接に進む人を決める。
We screen a large number of applicants and decide who proceeds to the final interview.
To hide something from view or protect someone from harm, blame, or detection.
To hide or conceal something physically or abstractly. Can be used for objects, information, or emotions.
彼は手で顔を隠した。
He screened his face with his hands.
To block, intercept, or screen off light, sound, view, etc. Emphasizes creating a barrier.
To protect or shield someone from harm, criticism, or danger. Often implies loyalty or defensive action.
A medical test or procedure to detect a disease or condition early.
General word for medical examination or test. Often combined with specific terms, e.g., がん検査 (cancer screening).
定期的な健康検査を受けることが大切です。
It is important to get regular health screenings.
A device with a mesh or perforated surface used to separate particles by size.
A sieve or sifter used in cooking, gardening, or construction. Can be a physical tool or used metaphorically.
小麦粉をふるいにかけてから使ってください。
Please sift the flour through a screen before using it.
A window screen or insect screen. Specifically the mesh fitted in windows or doors to keep insects out.
画面 (がめん) is the most common word for any electronic display surface. スクリーン is used mainly for projection screens or movie screens, and sometimes for computer screens in technical contexts. ディスプレイ refers to the hardware display unit itself and is more technical. In everyday conversation about phones or laptops, 画面 is the safest choice.
画面が暗いので明るくしてください。
The screen is dark, so please brighten it.
While 'screen' in English can mean a room divider, スクリーン in Japanese almost always refers to a projection or display screen. For a physical partition, use ついたて, 屏風 (びょうぶ), or パーティション.
部屋の仕切りにはついたてを使います。
We use a screen as a room divider.
A gold-leaf folding screen is displayed at the museum.
オフィスにパーティションを設置して、個別の作業スペースを作った。
We installed partitions in the office to create individual workspaces.
彼は銀幕の伝説だ。
He is a legend of the silver screen.
カーテンで日光を遮る。
Screen the sunlight with a curtain.
The boss screened the subordinate's mistake (took the blame).
Loanword used specifically for medical or security screening tests. Common in technical or clinical contexts.
新生児スクリーニングは多くの病気を早期に発見できます。
Newborn screening can detect many diseases early.
In summer, we use the screen door to let the breeze in.