字幕
jimaku
To say subtitle in Japanese, meaning text shown at the bottom of a film or video, use 字幕 (jimaku).
字幕 (jimaku) is the word for subtitles and captions on films, TV and online videos.
What does it mean word for word?
字幕 combines the characters for "letter" and "curtain" or "screen".
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese nouns do not change for plural, so 字幕 means both subtitle and subtitles.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is jimaku, three short syllables said with even weight.
When do people say it?
Foreign films in Japan are often shown in cinemas with Japanese subtitles, and many people prefer them to dubbing.
Did you know?
- While 字幕 refers to text, Japanese also uses the word テロップ (teroppu), derived from 'teleprompter', specifically for the decorative on-screen captions common in variety shows.
- Some Japanese viewers use the term 字幕組 (jimakugumi) to describe the dedicated fan communities who volunteer to translate and subtitle foreign content.
- In Japanese variety shows, テロップ (teroppu) are often used not just for accessibility, but to provide punchlines or emotional cues for the audience.
Examples in context
- 字幕をオンにしてください。Jimaku o on ni shite kudasai.Please turn on the subtitles.
- この映画は字幕付きです。Kono eiga wa jimaku tsuki desu.This movie has subtitles.
- 字幕が読みづらいです。Jimaku ga yomizurai desu.The subtitles are hard to read.
Example conversation
Yui and Hinata are watching a foreign movie at home.
- 結衣 Yui字幕なしで見られる？Jimaku nashi de mirareru?Can you watch it without subtitles?
- 陽太 Yotaいや、字幕がないと難しいよ。Iya, jimaku ga nai to muzukashii yo.No, it is difficult without subtitles.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、字幕を付けて。Jaa, jimaku o tsukete.Then, please turn on the subtitles.
- 陽太 Yota分かった、すぐに出すね。Wakatta, sugu ni dasu ne.Okay, I'll turn them on right away.
