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.
Please upload the photo.
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.
I uploaded the video.
Literally 'to raise', but commonly used in casual contexts to mean 'upload', especially for social media or video platforms.
I uploaded yesterday's live stream to YouTube.
Means 'to post' or 'to contribute', often used for uploading content to blogs, SNS, or forums.
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.
Import photos from the camera.
Means 'to transfer' data. More general, can be used for uploading data between devices.
Transfer data to the server.
Also used in this context, though 取り込む is more natural for device-to-computer transfers.
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.
Please turn up the volume.
Increase the resolution.
Casual loanword for 'up' as in 'level up' or 'increase'. Often used in gaming or informal contexts.
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.
I have uploaded the documents. (formal)
Did you upload the photo? (casual)
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.