Translation guide
The act or process of writing down spoken words, or the resulting text. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 文字起こし (mojiokoshi), but other terms exist depending on context.
To express the process of converting spoken language into written form, such as for interviews, meetings, or recordings.
The most common and general term for transcription. It literally means 'raising characters' and is used in business, journalism, and everyday contexts.
I transcribe the contents of the meeting.
Similar to 文字起こし, but slightly more formal or literary. Often used for transcribing historical documents or formal speeches.
Specifically refers to transcribing from audio tapes. Now somewhat dated but still used in contexts involving older recording media.
I was asked to transcribe an old interview tape.
To refer to the representation of speech sounds using phonetic symbols, such as IPA.
To refer to the biological process of copying DNA into RNA.
The standard term for transcription in molecular biology. It is used in scientific and educational contexts.
To refer to the adaptation of a musical piece for a different instrument or voice.
Both mean 'transcription', but 文字起こし is more common in modern business and media contexts, while 書き起こし can sound more formal or academic. In many cases they are interchangeable.
The English word 'transcription' is broad. Using 転写 for general speech-to-text transcription would be incorrect, as 転写 is primarily a biological term. Always match the context.
講演を書き起こして本にする。
Transcribe the lecture and turn it into a book.
The standard term for phonetic transcription in linguistics. It encompasses both broad (phonemic) and narrow (phonetic) transcription.
Please tell me the phonetic transcription of this word.
Literally 'pronunciation symbols', often used to refer to phonetic symbols like IPA in dictionaries or language learning.
The dictionary includes phonetic symbols.
Transcription from DNA to RNA takes place.
The general term for musical arrangement, including transcription. It implies adapting a piece for different instruments.
Transcribe a piano piece for orchestra.
The loanword from English, used specifically in music contexts to mean transcription, often implying a faithful adaptation rather than a free arrangement.
Play a transcription of this piece.