Translation guide
The letter 'x' is used in English for various purposes, including as a variable in math, a symbol for a kiss, an unknown quantity, and in ratings. In Japanese, the letter itself is often used directly in certain contexts, but there are also native expressions for related concepts.
Referring to the letter itself or a cross shape.
The standard Japanese name for the letter X, used in spelling, acronyms, and when referring to the letter itself.
この単語にはエックスが含まれています。
This word contains an X.
Refers to an X mark (✗) used to indicate incorrectness, cancellation, or a cross shape. Often used in games, tests, and UI.
答えが間違っている場合はバツをつけてください。
Please put an X if the answer is wrong.
A colloquial term for an X mark, similar to バツ but more casual. Often used in speech.
テストでペケがいっぱいあった。
I got a lot of X's on the test.
Expressing an unknown value, often in equations or as a placeholder.
Used directly as the variable 'x' in mathematical contexts. Japanese math terminology borrows the letter.
エックスの値を求めなさい。
Find the value of x.
Literally 'unknown number', used in math or figuratively for an unknown factor.
Using X to represent a kiss, often at the end of a message.
In Japanese digital communication, 'X' as a kiss is not standard and may not be understood. Instead, emoticons or explicit words are used. If you must use it, write 'X' or 'x', but be aware it's a Western convention.
じゃあね、X
Bye, x
Onomatopoeia for a kiss sound, often used in casual messages or manga to represent a kiss.
おやすみ、チュー！
Goodnight, kiss!
Using X to denote a category, often adult content or a generation.
In Japanese, 'X' is often combined with words like 指定 (designation) for ratings, or 世代 (generation) for demographic labels. The letter is pronounced エックス.
この映画はX指定です。
This movie is X-rated.
X世代の特徴について話しましょう。
Let's talk about the characteristics of Generation X.
Indicating a former status, like ex-boyfriend.
The prefix 元 (もと) means 'former' or 'ex-'. It is attached directly to nouns. This is the natural way to express 'ex-' in Japanese.
元彼に会った。
I saw my ex-boyfriend.
元大統領が来日した。
The former president visited Japan.
Another prefix meaning 'former' or 'old', used in more formal or fixed compounds, like 旧姓 (former surname) or 旧ソ連 (former Soviet Union).
旧姓は田中です。
My maiden name is Tanaka.
To mark something with an X to indicate deletion or cancellation.
Literally 'to attach an X', meaning to cross out or mark as wrong.
間違ったところにバツをつけてください。
Please cross out the wrong parts.
Means 'to draw a line', often used for crossing out text with a line rather than an X.
不要な部分に線を引いて消してください。
Please cross out the unnecessary parts with a line.
この方程式には未知数が二つある。
This equation has two unknowns.