Translation guide
The English word "transmission" covers several distinct concepts: sending signals or data, the mechanical part of a vehicle, the spread of disease, and broadcasting. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing the act of sending or conveying information, signals, or data electronically or by other means.
The most common term for transmitting data, signals, or messages electronically. Used for emails, radio signals, digital data, etc.
Data transmission failed.
Send an email.
Often used in technical contexts for transmission of signals, data, or power over a medium (e.g., cables, optical fibers). More formal than 送信.
High-speed transmission via optical fiber.
Transmission of information, orders, or feelings. Often used for conveying messages, knowledge, or commands, not necessarily electronic.
The transmission of information was delayed.
Refers to communication or telecommunication. Often used in compounds like 通信技術 (communication technology). Can imply two-way communication rather than one-way transmission.
wireless communication/transmission
Referring to the mechanical system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels in a vehicle.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in automotive contexts. Often abbreviated to ミッション in casual speech.
automatic transmission
The transmission broke down.
The formal technical term for a gearbox or transmission. Used in engineering and official documents.
Abbreviation of トランスミッション, common in casual car talk. Not to be confused with 'mission' in other contexts.
Referring to the passing of an infectious disease from one person or organism to another.
The standard term for infection or transmission of a disease. Used as a noun or verb (感染する).
Often used for contagious diseases, emphasizing spread from person to person. Common in compounds like 伝染病 (infectious disease).
Refers to transmission via a vector (e.g., insects) or intermediary. Used in phrases like 媒介する (to transmit, to carry).
Referring to the transmission of television or radio programs.
Referring to the transfer of mechanical power or electricity.
Mechanical power transmission, e.g., via belts, gears, chains. Used in engineering.
belt transmission
Electric power transmission, especially over long distances via power lines.
Can also be used for power transmission in a general sense, but 伝動 and 送電 are more specific.
送信 is the most common for sending data or messages. 伝送 is more technical, often for continuous signal transmission. 通信 implies two-way communication or the broader field of telecommunications.
While トランスミッション is common, using 伝送 or 送信 for a car's gearbox would be incorrect and confusing.
変速機の設計
transmission design
ミッションオイルを交換する。
Change the transmission fluid.
伝染病の伝染を止める。
Stop the transmission of the infectious disease.
蚊がマラリアを媒介する。
Mosquitoes transmit malaria.
電波の送信
transmission of radio waves
高圧送電線
high-voltage transmission line
動力を伝達する。
Transmit power.