Translation guide
In Japanese, the phrase 'this subject' is rarely translated literally. The most natural way to express it depends on the context: in academic or formal settings, specific terms like 本件 (honken) or この問題 (kono mondai) are used; in casual conversation, it's often omitted or replaced by これ (kore) or この話 (kono hanashi).
Referring to the current topic, matter, or subject under discussion in a formal or written context.
Literally 'this matter/affair'. Commonly used in business emails, reports, and formal documents to refer to the subject at hand.
本件についてご検討ください。
Please consider this matter.
本件は来週の会議で話し合います。
We will discuss this subject at next week's meeting.
Slightly less formal than 本件, but still used in business and formal contexts. 'This matter/issue'.
この件はすでに解決しました。
This matter has already been resolved.
Used when 'this subject' refers to a problem or issue. Common in academic and formal discussions.
この問題についてもっと詳しく調べる必要がある。
We need to investigate this subject more thoroughly.
Used for 'this theme/topic' in academic or creative contexts, such as essays or research.
このテーマは多くの研究者によって議論されてきた。
This subject has been discussed by many researchers.
Referring to the current topic of conversation in an informal setting.
In Japanese, once the topic is established, it's natural to omit it. Instead of saying 'this subject', you can simply continue talking about it without a direct reference.
（その話について）どう思う？
What do you think about this subject?
Simply 'this'. In casual speech, これ can refer to the current topic or subject, especially when it's clear from context.
これ、難しいよね。
This subject is difficult, isn't it?
Literally 'this talk/story'. Used to refer to the current topic of conversation.
この話、もう終わりにしよう。
Let's end this subject.
Literally 'this thing/matter'. A general way to refer to the subject at hand.
このことは誰にも言わないで。
Don't tell anyone about this subject.
Referring to an academic subject or field of study.
Used for a school subject or course. 'This subject/course'.
この科目は必修です。
This subject is compulsory.
Refers to an academic field or area of study. 'This field/subject'.
この分野の研究は急速に進んでいる。
Research in this subject is advancing rapidly.
The direct translation 'この主題 (kono shudai)' or 'この科目 (kono kamoku)' is not always natural. 'この主題' is very formal and literary, while 'この科目' specifically means a school subject. In most cases, use context-appropriate terms like 本件, この話, or simply omit the subject.