Translation guide
The English word "thesis" has two main meanings: a long academic paper for a degree, and a central argument or proposition. These are expressed differently in Japanese.
A long essay or dissertation submitted for a university degree, especially a master's or doctoral degree.
General term for an academic paper or thesis. Can refer to a graduation thesis, master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation.
I submitted my graduation thesis.
He is writing his doctoral thesis.
Specifically a graduation thesis, usually for a bachelor's degree.
What is the topic of your graduation thesis?
Master's thesis.
I passed the defense of my master's thesis.
Doctoral dissertation or Ph.D. thesis.
I am ready to submit my doctoral thesis.
A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
Refers to one's assertion, claim, or argument. Commonly used in discussions and essays.
His thesis is persuasive.
Please summarize the thesis of this paper.
Point of argument; the main point or issue being discussed. Often used in formal debates or academic contexts.
Loanword from German 'These', used in philosophical or academic contexts, especially in Hegelian dialectics. Sounds intellectual.
論文 refers to the physical document or the academic paper itself, while 主張 refers to the argument or claim within it. If you say 'I'm writing my thesis,' use 論文. If you say 'My thesis is that...', use 主張.
彼の論点は明確だ。
His thesis is clear.
He disproved the thesis.