コミュニケーション
komyunikēshon[ko̞mʲɨɲ̟ike̞ːɕõ̞ɴ]
The English word communication is expressed in Japanese as コミュニケーション (komyunikēshon). Wiktionary also lists 対話 (taiwa) and 通信 (tsūshin).
Meaning: concept of exchanging information (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| コミュニケーション | komyunikēshon | [ko̞mʲɨɲ̟ike̞ːɕõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 対話 | taiwa | [ta̠iβ̞a̠] (narrow) |
| 通信 | tsūshin | [t͡sɨːɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
Communication in Japanese is expressed differently depending on whether you mean social interaction, technical data transmission or formal dialogue. For interpersonal, social or psychological communication between people, use コミュニケーション.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the exchange. コミュニケーション is used for general interpersonal or social communication. In contrast, 通信 refers to the technical transmission of data, signals or telecommunications such as the internet or radio. For a more structured and formal exchange of ideas or a formal dialogue, use 対話.
How do you pronounce it?
komyunikēshon
Did you know?
- While コミュニケーション is used for general interaction, Japanese has a specific word 根回し ('nemawashi') for the essential pre-communication done behind the scenes to ensure a consensus before a formal meeting.
- In Japanese social communication, the concept of 空気を読む ('kūki o yomu'), meaning 'reading the air', is often considered more important than the actual words spoken in コミュニケーション.
- The loanword コミュニケーション first appeared in Japanese texts around 1914, following the rapid Westernization of technical and social terminology during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Examples in context
- 電話はひとつの通信手段である。The telephone is a means of communication.This sentence uses 通信 to describe a means of communication.Tatoeba #124693 by bunbuku, translation #279301 by CK
- コミュニケーションは、大切よ。Communication is important.This sentence uses コミュニケーション to state that communication is important.Tatoeba #12577590 by small_snow, translation #12335247 by rul
- 家族のコミュニケーションは大切です。Family communication is important.This sentence uses コミュニケーション to discuss family communication.Tatoeba #10508935 by small_snow, translation #8904263 by Hybrid
- お客様への連絡は大切です。Communication with customers is important.
- 効果的なコミュニケーションを図ることは重要です。It is important to facilitate effective communication.
- 友達との会話は楽しいですね。Conversations with friends are enjoyable, aren't they?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing how to improve their teamwork at work.
- 結衣 Yuiチームでのコミュニケーションを増やしましょう。Chīmu de no komyunikēshon o fuyashimashō.Let's increase the communication within the team.
- 陽太 Yotaそうですね。もっと話し合いましょう。Sō desu ne. Motto hanashiaimashō.You're right. Let's talk more.
- 結衣 Yuiコミュニケーションが不足していると感じます。Komyunikēshon ga fusoku shite iru to kanjimasu.I feel that there is a lack of communication.
- 陽太 Yota僕もそう思います。結衣さんに賛成です。Boku mo sō omoimasu. Yui-san ni sansei desu.I think so too. I agree with you, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “communication” translations and entries コミュニケーション, 対話, 通信, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries コミュニケーション, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
