Translation guide
A translator can refer to a person who translates, a software tool, or a device. In Japanese, the word used depends on the context: human vs. machine, professional vs. casual, and the direction of translation.
彼は翻訳者として働いています。
He works as a translator.
To refer to a human translator, especially in a professional context.
General term for a person who translates, especially written texts. Neutral and widely understood.
彼女はプロの翻訳者です。
She is a professional translator.
Often implies a literary translator or someone with a more artistic/established reputation. Slightly more formal.
村上春樹は翻訳家としても知られている。
Haruki Murakami is also known as a translator.
Specifically an interpreter (oral translation). Use this for spoken language, not written.
会議には通訳者が同席した。
An interpreter attended the meeting.
Can refer to the act of interpreting or, informally, to an interpreter. Often used in compound job titles.
彼はフリーランスの通訳をしている。
He works as a freelance interpreter.
To refer to software, apps, or online services that translate text.
Refers to a translation device or machine. Commonly used for handheld electronic dictionaries or dedicated gadgets.
旅行に翻訳機を持っていく。
I take a translator device on trips.
Translation software. Used for computer programs or apps.
この翻訳ソフトは無料です。
This translation software is free.
Translation app (smartphone). Very common in casual conversation.
翻訳アプリを使えば簡単に翻訳できる。
You can easily translate using a translation app.
To refer to a specific web-based translation platform.
In Japanese, it's common to say 'Google翻訳' (Google Translate) or 'DeepL翻訳'. The word '翻訳' is attached to the brand name.
グーグル翻訳で調べてみて。
Look it up on Google Translate.
ディープエル翻訳は自然な訳を出す。
DeepL Translator produces natural translations.
翻訳者 (honyakusha) handles written translation, while 通訳者 (tsuyakusha) handles spoken interpretation. Mixing them up can cause confusion.
彼は翻訳者で、通訳者ではない。
He is a translator, not an interpreter.
The loanword トランスレーター (toransureetaa) exists but is rarely used. It sounds unnatural and overly technical. Stick to the native terms above.
Machine translation (the technology or process). Often used in technical contexts.
自動翻訳の精度は年々向上している。
The accuracy of machine translation is improving year by year.