コンピュータサイエンス
konpyūta-saiensu[kõ̞mpʲɨːta̠sa̠iẽ̞ɰ̃sɨ]
In Japanese, the phrase "computer science" can be expressed as コンピュータサイエンス (konpyūta-saiensu). If unsure, use コンピュータサイエンス. Wiktionary also lists 情報科学 (jōhōkagaku) and 計算機科学 (keisanki kagaku).
Meaning: study of computers and their architecture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| コンピュータサイエンス | konpyūta-saiensu | [kõ̞mpʲɨːta̠sa̠iẽ̞ɰ̃sɨ] (narrow) [kõ̞mpʲɨːta̠ːsa̠iẽ̞ɰ̃sɨ] (narrow) |
| 情報科学 | jōhōkagaku | [d͡ʑo̞ːho̞ː ka̠ɡa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 計算機科学 | keisanki kagaku | [ke̞ːsã̠ŋʲkʲi ka̠ɡa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| コンピュータ科学 | konpyūta kagaku |
The term refers to the study of computers and their architecture.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 計算機科学 is composed of 計算機, meaning computer or calculating machine and 科学, meaning science.
Which one should you use?
While コンピュータサイエンス is a direct loanword, 情報科学 is the formal academic term often used in university departments and official curricula.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The katakana version コンピュータサイエンス is commonly used in casual conversation and modern tech industry contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
konpyūta-saiensu
Did you know?
- In a professional Japanese office, someone might refer to the 'IT department' as 情シス (jō-shisu). This is a clipped version of 情報システム ('information systems'), a close relative of 情報科学.
- The term 計算機 originally referred to mechanical calculating machines. Today, while it means 'computer' in a technical context, a Japanese person would never call their personal laptop a 計算機 in daily life.
- The term 情報 (jōhō) in 情報科学 is the same word used for 'intelligence' or 'intel/information' in news and espionage contexts. This connects the study of computer science to the broader management of data.
Examples in context
- コンピュータサイエンスは非常に興味深い分野です。Computer science is a highly interesting field.
- コンピュータサイエンスを専攻しています。Konpyūta saiensu o senkō shite imasu.I am majoring in computer science.
- 将来はコンピュータサイエンスの研究をしたいです。Shōrai wa konpyūta saiensu no kenkyū o shitai desu.In the future, I want to do research in computer science.
Example conversation
Two university students are talking about their classes in the campus hallway.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君は大学で何を学んでいるの？Kenta-kun wa daigaku de nani o manande iru no?Kenta, what are you studying at university?
- 健太 Kentaコンピュータサイエンスを学んでいるよ。Konpyūta saiensu o manande iru yo.I am studying computer science.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは面白そうな分野だね。Sore wa omoshirosō na bun'ya da ne.That sounds like an interesting field.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう、とてもやりがいがあるよ。Arigatō, totemo yarigai ga aru yo.Thanks, it is very rewarding.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer science” translations and entries コンピュータサイエンス, 情報科学, 計算機科学, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
