Translation guide
For English-speaking learners, 'subtitles' most often refers to on-screen text in movies or videos. Japanese uses 字幕 (jimaku) for this. There are also related terms for captions, dubbing, and subtitle files.
The learner wants to refer to the text displayed at the bottom of a screen that translates or transcribes dialogue.
The standard word for subtitles in films, TV shows, and online videos. Covers both translation subtitles and same-language captions.
This movie has Japanese subtitles.
Refers to superimposed text on TV, often for emphasis, commentary, or lyrics, not just dialogue translation. Common in variety shows.
Broadcast industry term for superimposed titles or captions, often used for names, locations, or brief text overlays. Not for full dialogue subtitles.
The learner wants to distinguish subtitles for accessibility from translation subtitles.
Literally 'subtitles (for the hearing impaired)'. Used to specify closed captions that include sound descriptions.
The learner wants to talk about subtitle files (e.g., .srt) or selecting a subtitle track.
Means 'subtitle file'. Used for digital files containing subtitle data.
The learner wants to express a preference between dubbed and subtitled versions.
Means 'subtitled version', as opposed to 吹き替え版 (dubbed version).
字幕 (jimaku) is the standard word for subtitles translating dialogue. テロップ (teroppu) refers to flashy on-screen text used in TV shows for emphasis or jokes, not for translation. Using テロップ for movie subtitles sounds odd.
The movie's subtitles are easy to read.
I always watch foreign films with subtitles.
Please turn on the subtitles.
バラエティ番組のテロップが面白い。
The on-screen text in variety shows is funny.
ニュースで容疑者の名前がスーパーで表示された。
The suspect's name was displayed as a superimposition on the news.
This video has subtitles for the hearing impaired.
Loanword from English 'closed caption'. Used in technical or media contexts, but 字幕 is more common in everyday speech.
To display closed captions, please change the settings.
I downloaded the subtitle file.
Refers to a subtitle track selectable in media players.
Please select the English subtitle track.
I like watching the subtitled version.
Means 'dubbing'. Often contrasted with 字幕.
I prefer subtitles over dubbing.
バラエティのテロップがうるさい。
The on-screen text in the variety show is annoying.
To ask if a video has subtitles, say 「字幕はありますか？」 (jimaku wa arimasu ka?). To request they be turned on, say 「字幕を出してください」 (jimaku o dashite kudasai).
The subtitles are out of sync.