Translation guide
How to express 'upload' in Japanese, covering digital file transfers, data uploads, and related actions.
The most common meaning: transferring a file from a local device to a remote server, website, or cloud service.
The standard loanword verb for 'upload'. Used in almost all digital contexts.
写真をアップロードしてください。
Please upload the photo.
ファイルをクラウドにアップロードした。
I uploaded the file to the cloud.
A casual abbreviation of アップロードする, common in spoken Japanese and informal writing.
動画をアップしたよ。
I uploaded the video.
Literally 'to raise', but commonly used in casual contexts to mean 'upload', especially for social media or video platforms.
昨日のライブをYouTubeに上げた。
I uploaded yesterday's live stream to YouTube.
Means 'to post' or 'to contribute', often used for uploading content to blogs, SNS, or forums.
ブログに記事を投稿した。
I posted an article on my blog.
Transferring data from a peripheral device (camera, sensor, etc.) to a computer or main system.
Means 'to import' or 'to capture', used when transferring data from an external device to a computer.
カメラから写真を取り込む。
Import photos from the camera.
Means 'to transfer' data. More general, can be used for uploading data between devices.
データをサーバーに転送する。
Transfer data to the server.
Also used in this context, though 取り込む is more natural for device-to-computer transfers.
測定データをPCにアップロードする。
Upload measurement data to the PC.
Metaphorical use: to raise or increase something like volume, quality, or a numerical setting.
The general verb for 'raise' or 'increase'. Used for volume, resolution, limits, etc.
音量を上げてください。
Please turn up the volume.
解像度を上げる。
Increase the resolution.
Casual loanword for 'up' as in 'level up' or 'increase'. Often used in gaming or informal contexts.
スキルをアップする。
Level up the skill.
アップロードする is the safest and most standard for digital uploads. アップする is a casual abbreviation. 上げる is very common in casual speech for uploading content to platforms like YouTube or SNS, but can be ambiguous (it also means 'to raise'). Use アップロードする in formal or technical contexts.
資料をアップロードしました。
I have uploaded the documents. (formal)
写真アップした？
Did you upload the photo? (casual)
動画上げといた。
I uploaded the video. (very casual)
The English word 'upload' originally comes from 'load up', but in Japanese, アップロード is only used for digital data. Do not use it for physical loading of cargo. Use 積み込む (つみこむ) for loading goods.
The English word 'upload' originally comes from 'load up', but in Japanese, アップロード is only used for digital data. Do not use it for physical loading of cargo. Use 積み込む (つみこむ) for loading goods.