Translation guide
This guide explains how to express the idea of 'word for word' in Japanese, covering exact repetition, literal translation, and verbatim quoting.
To repeat or reproduce something exactly, without changing any words.
Literally 'one character, one phrase'. Similar to 一言一句 but emphasizes written characters. Often used for exact transcription or copying.
Means 'verbatim' or 'literal'. Often used in academic or translation contexts. Can sound formal.
その文書を逐語的に翻訳した。
I translated the document word for word.
Means 'as is' or 'exactly as it was'. Can be used to mean 'word for word' in casual contexts, but is broader in meaning.
To translate each word individually, often resulting in unnatural output.
When you want to express that something is translated 'word for word', using 直訳 or 逐語訳 is fine. But when you actually translate, avoid doing it word for word, as it often leads to unnatural Japanese.
Literally 'one word, one phrase'. Used to emphasize that every single word is included, often in contexts like quoting or memorizing verbatim.
彼のスピーチを一言一句覚えている。
I remember his speech word for word.
契約書を一字一句確認した。
I checked the contract word for word.
彼の言ったことをそのまま伝えて。
Tell me what he said word for word.
Noun meaning 'literal translation'. Often used when contrasting with natural translation.
これは直訳すると意味が通じない。
If you translate this word for word, it doesn't make sense.
More technical term for 'word-for-word translation'. Used in linguistics or translation studies.
逐語訳はしばしば不自然な文になる。
Word-for-word translation often results in unnatural sentences.
Verb phrase meaning 'to translate word by word'. More descriptive and casual.
単語ごとに訳さないで、全体の意味を考えて。
Don't translate word for word; think about the overall meaning.