オンライン
onrain[õ̞n̺ɾa̠ĩɴ]
In Japanese, the English phrase "online" is translated as オンライン (onrain).
The term オンライン is used broadly to cover anything involving internet connectivity, such as online shopping, gaming and education. You may also encounter informal alternatives like ネット (an abbreviation of "net") or the expression ネット上 to specifically refer to the online or virtual world.
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
オンライン is a loanword from English written in Katakana that transliterates the English word "online".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use オンライン as an adverb meaning "via the internet" (for example, to say you are doing something online), you must add the particle で to the word, forming オンラインで.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced [onrain].
Did you know?
- The term オンライン is often used in Japan to specifically denote 'synchronous' or 'live' interactions, such as live streaming, rather than just any internet-connected activity.
- In Japanese, the concept of being 'online' is often expressed by the term 接続中 (setsuzokuchu), which literally means 'in the state of connection'.
- If you are looking for an 'online' version of a physical item, such as a digital textbook, Japanese often uses the term 電子版 (denshiban), meaning 'electronic edition'.
Examples in context
- トムはオンライン授業を受けてるよ。Tom is taking online classes.This sentence is useful for mentioning that Tom is taking online classes with the form オンライン.Tatoeba #9796095 by small_snow, translation #9453396 by DJ_Saidez
- オンライン申請する方が早いかもね。If you apply online, it might be faster.This sentence shows how to suggest that applying online might be faster using the form オンライン.Tatoeba #11554921 by small_snow, translation #11554704 by CK
- オンラインで申し込む方が早いかもよ。It may be faster if you apply online.This sentence is another way to suggest that applying online may be faster using the form オンライン.Tatoeba #11554922 by small_snow, translation #11554920 by CK
- 私は インターネット で情報を収集しました。I gathered information online.
- オンラインで商品を注文しました。I placed an order online.
- このニュースは ネット でも報じられています。This news is also reported online.
- 最近、 ネット上 で新しい友達を作りました。Recently, I made new friends online.
- このゲームは ネットで プレイできますよ。You can play this game online.
- 今日は オンラインで 会議があります。We have an online meeting today.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are discussing their weekend plans.
- 結衣 Yuiオンラインのゲーム、一緒にやらない？Onrain no gēmu, issho ni yarana'i?Do you want to play an online game together?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ、今からオンラインにするね。Ii yo, ima kara onrain ni suru ne.Sure, I'll go online now.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、準備はできた？Hiroto, junbi wa dekita?Hiroto, are you ready?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、もうすぐログインするよ。Un, mōsugu roguin suru yo.Yeah, I'll log in soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry オンライン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
