Translation guide
The concept of making things happen at the same time, matching timing, or keeping things in step. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean technical synchronization (clocks, data, machines), coordinating actions, or matching rhythms.
Making two or more devices, systems, or signals operate in unison or at the same rate.
The standard technical term for synchronization of clocks, data, devices, or processes. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to synchronize'.
Data synchronization is complete.
Abbreviation of 'synchronization', often used in casual or technical contexts, especially for syncing devices or in entertainment (e.g., synchronized swimming).
More often used for tuning or aligning (e.g., radio frequencies), but can mean synchronization in some technical contexts. Less common than 同期 for general sync.
Making sure people act together at the same moment, or aligning schedules and movements.
Literally 'match the timing'. The most natural way to express synchronizing actions or timing between people.
Aligning sound with video, or subtitles with speech.
Performing physical movements in exact unison.
Commonly used for synchronized swimming (シンクロナイズドスイミング) or synchronized dance. Often used as a noun or with する.
While 同期 can be used for schedules or teamwork, it sounds technical. For everyday coordination, use タイミングを合わせる or 息を合わせる.
We sang in perfect synchronization.
同期 is the standard for synchronization of data, clocks, or processes. 同調 is more about tuning or aligning (e.g., radio, opinions) and is less common for general sync.
The synchronization of the two systems failed.
Synchronize the smartphone and the computer.
スマホとクラウドをシンクロさせる。
Sync the smartphone with the cloud.
周波数の同調を行う。
Perform frequency synchronization.
Let's all jump at the same time.
In presentations, it's important to synchronize your speech with the slides.
Literally 'match breathing'. Used for close coordination in teamwork, performances, or any situation requiring perfect unison.
The whole team worked in perfect synchronization.
Can also be used for human coordination, but sounds slightly technical. Often used in business or project management.
Let's synchronize our schedules.
Literally 'align one's steps'. Used for getting a group to act in harmony, often in organizational or political contexts.
The government and the central bank should synchronize their economic measures.
This video's audio and video are out of sync.
Lip-sync, specifically matching mouth movements to recorded speech. Often used in entertainment contexts.
Her lip-sync is perfect.
The synchronized performance was beautiful.
General phrase for synchronizing movements, used in dance, exercise, or group performances.
We practiced to synchronize our dance moves.
We need better synchronization between departments.
Often rephrased as 'coordination' rather than literal sync.