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.
My smartphone screen cracked.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Literally 'to pass through a sieve', used metaphorically to mean screening or filtering out candidates or options. Slightly informal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We use a screen as a room divider.
A gold-leaf folding screen is displayed at the museum.
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.
A process to screen out defective products is necessary.
We screen a large number of applicants and decide who proceeds to the final interview.
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.
Newborn screening can detect many diseases early.
夏は網戸にして風を通します。
In summer, we use the screen door to let the breeze in.