Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'subscription' depends on what is being subscribed to: a magazine/newspaper, a digital service, a membership, or a regular donation. The most common word is 定期購読 for publications, while サブスクリプション (often shortened to サブスク) is widely used for digital services. For memberships, 会員登録 or 入会 are used. There is no single perfect equivalent for all contexts.
To subscribe to a regularly published print or digital periodical.
The standard term for subscribing to a newspaper, magazine, or journal. It implies a regular, ongoing purchase.
この雑誌を定期購読しています。
I have a subscription to this magazine.
新聞の定期購読を申し込んだ。
I applied for a newspaper subscription.
The verb 'to subscribe' specifically for publications. Often used with を.
毎日新聞を購読しています。
I subscribe to the Mainichi Shimbun.
To subscribe to an online service, app, or software with recurring payments.
The loanword 'subscription', often shortened to サブスク in casual speech. Very common for digital services.
Netflixのサブスクリプションを解約した。
I canceled my Netflix subscription.
このアプリは月額サブスクです。
This app is a monthly subscription.
Abbreviation of サブスクリプション, very common in casual and marketing contexts.
Literally 'regular purchase', used for subscription-based product deliveries (e.g., Amazon Subscribe & Save).
おむつの定期購入をしています。
I have a subscription for diapers.
To join and pay regularly for a membership-based service.
Literally 'become a member', the most natural way to express joining a subscription-based membership.
ジムの会員になりました。
I got a gym membership (subscription).
To join a membership organization. Often used for formal memberships.
スポーツクラブに入会した。
I joined a sports club (subscription).
Monthly membership fee. Used to talk about the cost of a subscription.
月会費はいくらですか？
How much is the monthly subscription fee?
To subscribe as a recurring donor or supporter.
Regular support/donation, often used for monthly giving programs.
毎月の定期支援をお願いします。
Please consider a monthly subscription (donation).
Continuous donation, used in formal charity contexts.
継続寄付者を募集しています。
We are looking for subscription donors.
The English word 'subscription' covers many concepts. Using サブスクリプション for a newspaper subscription can sound unnatural; use 定期購読 instead. Conversely, 定期購読 for a streaming service is odd.
While サブスク is very common in everyday speech, in formal writing or business contexts, use the full サブスクリプション or a more specific term.
音楽サブスク、何使ってる？
What music subscription service do you use?