Learning how to say “password” in Japanese can come in handy in various situations, whether you’re visiting Japan or simply interested in the language. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept, providing tips, examples, and even touching upon regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Password”
If you need to use the term “password” in a formal setting such as at work, dealing with official documents or while speaking to someone of higher authority, you can use the following phrase:
1. パスワード (Pasuwādo)
パスワードとは、インターネット上でアカウントやプライベートデータにアクセスするための認証キーワードです。
Pasuwādo to wa, intānetto-jō de akaunto ya puraibēto dēta ni akusesu suru tame no ninshō kīwādo desu.
(Password is the authentication keyword used to access accounts or private data on the internet.)
In formal contexts, パスワード (Pasuwādo) is the most commonly used term.
Informal and Casual Ways to Say “Password”
On the other hand, when you’re in a casual setting or among friends, you might prefer something less formal. Here are a couple of options:
1. パスワ (Pasuwa)
オンラインゲームのパスワ何でしょう？
Onrain gēmu no pasuwa nan deshō?
(What’s the password for the online game?)
2. パス (Pasu)
ワイファイのパス何か教えてくれる？
Waifai no pasu nanika oshiete kureru?
(Can you tell me the Wi-Fi password?)
Note that these casual expressions are shortened versions of the formal term.
Tips for Using the Word “Password” in Japanese
When discussing passwords in Japanese, it’s helpful to keep these tips in mind:
1. Loanword Usage
As you may have noticed, パスワード (Pasuwādo) is a direct loanword from English. In many cases, Japanese people will also use the English word or refer to it as a katakana loanword. Therefore, using the term in English may be widely understood, especially in the younger generation.
2. Context Matters
Always consider the context when using any of the phrases discussed above. Depending on the situation, using the formal term might be necessary or more appropriate to convey a sense of politeness.
3. Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations when it comes to saying “password” in Japanese, dialects or slight variations in pronunciation might occur. However, the phrases discussed earlier are widely understood throughout Japan.
Conclusion
Now you know how to say “password” in Japanese based on the desired level of formality. Remember, in formal situations, use パスワード (Pasuwādo), while in more casual settings, you can use パスワ (Pasuwa) or パス (Pasu). Keep in mind that パスワード (Pasuwādo) is widely recognized due to its English origin. So go ahead and confidently communicate about passwords in Japanese!
