Translation guide
The English word "version" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a variant of a product, a retelling of a story, a translation, or a software release.
What's the latest version?
I want the English version.
You want to refer to a different model, edition, or variant of something, like a car, software, or document.
The most common and versatile loanword for 'version', used for software, products, documents, etc.
Please download the latest version.
A suffix meaning 'edition' or 'version', often used for publications, software, and numbered releases.
Used when emphasizing variety or different options within a product line, closer to 'variation'.
You want to talk about someone's side of a story, a different account of what happened.
You want to refer to a specific language version of a book, movie, or other work.
Used for language editions, e.g., English version, Japanese version.
You want to talk about a specific release, update, or build of software.
The standard term for software versions.
Both mean 'version', but バージョン is more common in casual and technical contexts (software, apps), while 版 is often used for formal editions, publications, and language versions. 版 can also mean 'edition' in a broader sense.
The first edition of this book was in 1980.
When talking about someone's version of a story, バージョン sounds unnatural. Use 言い分 or 説明 instead.
The old version of this app is no longer usable.
The second edition will be released next month.
I pre-ordered the limited edition figure.
This car comes in five color variations.
Refers to one's own account or version of events, often in a dispute or explanation.
Let's hear his version of the story too.
A general word for 'explanation', can be used for someone's version of events.
The driver's version of the accident is inconsistent.
Casual word for 'story' or 'account', often used in everyday conversation.
According to his version, it's completely different.
英語版の小説を読んだ。
I read the English version of the novel.
When will the Japanese dubbed version of this movie be released?
Also common for language versions, especially in casual or technical contexts.
The Japanese version of the site is still under construction.
Specifically means 'translation', used when emphasizing the act of translating rather than the edition.
This translated version captures the nuance of the original well.
Version 2.0 fixed many bugs.
Often used in formal or written contexts, like software edition.
I updated to the latest version of the OS.
Refers to a release, often used for a specific version that has been made public.
New features will be added in the next release.