手段
shudan[ɕɨdã̠ɴ]
The English word 'procedure' can be translated into Japanese as 手段 (shudan) or 方法.
Meaning: method for performing a task (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 手段 | shudan | [ɕɨdã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 方法 | hōhō | [ho̞ːho̞ː] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the word for 'procedure' depends on whether you are referring to a general method, a specific sequence of steps or a formal legal process. While 手段 and 方法 describe ways to achieve something, other terms like 手順 are used specifically for step-by-step sequences of operations, such as those found in a manual. For official or legal contexts, terms like 手続 or 手続き are used to describe formal processes.
Which one should you use?
方法 is a neutral and general term meaning 'method' or 'way', focusing on the process of doing something. If you are specifically referring to a step-by-step sequence of actions or instructions, 手順 is more natural than 手段 or 方法.
How do you pronounce it?
shudan
Did you know?
- The word 手段 often carries a negative nuance in Japanese, implying that the 'means' used to reach a goal were questionable or unethical.
- The character 道 (michi) inside 方法 literally means 'way' or 'path', conceptually linking a procedure to a physical journey.
- The word 手順 (tejun) is composed of characters meaning 'hand' and 'order', reflecting the physical nature of step-by-step manuals.
Examples in context
- インターネット接続の手続には申請書が必要です。To proceed with internet connection, you will need an application form.
- 外国人登録の手続きには専用のフォームを使用してください。Please use the dedicated form for the procedure of foreigner registration.
- 家のWiFiを設定する手順を教えてください。Please tell me the procedure to set up the home WiFi.
- パスワードをリセットする方法を教えてくれませんか？Could you please tell me the method to reset a password?
- もっといい手段を考えよう。Motto ii shudan o kangaeyou.Let's think of a better method.
- それは有効な手段ではありません。Sore wa yuukou na shudan dewa arimasen.That is not an effective method.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are discussing how to solve a problem at work.
- 陽葵 Himariこの問題を解決する手段が見つかりません。Kono mondai o kaiketsu suru shudan ga mitsukarimasen.I can't find a way to solve this problem.
- 蓮 Ren一緒に考えましょう。Issho ni kangaemashou.Let's think about it together.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんは何かいい手段を知っていますか？Ren-san wa nanika ii shudan o shitte imasu ka?Do you know of any good methods, Ren?
- 蓮 Renいくつかアイデアがありますよ。Ikutsuka aidea ga arimasu yo.I have a few ideas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “procedure” translations and entries 手段, 方法, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
