Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of subtitles is expressed through specific terms depending on the context, such as film subtitles, closed captions, or document subtitles. The most common word is 字幕 (jimaku).
The text displayed at the bottom of a screen translating or transcribing dialogue in a movie, TV show, or video.
The standard term for subtitles in films, TV shows, and videos. Can refer to both translation subtitles and same-language captions.
この映画は英語の字幕が付いています。
This movie has English subtitles.
字幕をオンにしてください。
Please turn on the subtitles.
Refers to superimposed text on TV screens, often used for emphasis, commentary, or captions in variety shows. Not typically used for translation subtitles.
バラエティ番組のテロップが面白い。
The captions on the variety show are funny.
Short for スーパーインポーズ (superimpose), used in broadcasting for on-screen text overlays, including subtitles. More technical.
ニュースのスーパーに誤字があった。
There was a typo in the news caption.
Subtitles specifically designed for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, including sound descriptions.
Literally 'subtitle broadcast', used for TV programs with closed captions for the hearing impaired.
この番組は字幕放送に対応しています。
This program supports closed captions.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts or on streaming platforms.
クローズドキャプションを表示するには設定を変更してください。
To display closed captions, please change the settings.
A subordinate title of a book, article, or other published work.
Loanword from English, commonly used for the secondary title of a book, movie, or article.
この本のサブタイトルは「愛と友情の物語」です。
The subtitle of this book is 'A Tale of Love and Friendship'.
Native Japanese word for subtitle of a book or article. More formal than サブタイトル.
字幕 (jimaku) is the standard term for subtitles translating dialogue. テロップ (telop) refers to on-screen text used in TV shows for emphasis or commentary, not for translation. Using テロップ for movie subtitles would sound odd.
サブタイトル means a secondary title (like a book subtitle), not the captions at the bottom of a movie. For film subtitles, always use 字幕.
論文の副題を考える。
Think of a subtitle for the thesis.