字幕
jimaku
The Japanese word for subtitles is 字幕 (jimaku).
字幕 refers to the text displayed at the bottom of a screen that translates or transcribes spoken dialogue. When you want to say you are turning on or including subtitles in a setting, you can use the verb 入れる with the word, as in 字幕を入れる. Conversely, to say you are turning off or removing subtitles, you use the verb 消す, as in 字幕を消す. While 字幕 is used for standard translation or transcription, the term キャプション is specifically used for captions designed for the hearing impaired to distinguish them from regular subtitles.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the word 字幕 with suffixes to change its meaning. Adding the suffix 付き results in 字幕付き, which means "with subtitles". Adding the suffix なし results in 字幕なし, which means "without subtitles".
How do you pronounce it?
jimaku
Did you know?
- Japan has a unique culture of 'variety show subtitles' where 字幕 are added to native Japanese programs to emphasize jokes, add sound effects or provide emotional context through colorful fonts.
- When Japanese viewers talk about 'subtitle-less' content, they might use the term 生 'raw', which implies the content is in its original state without the intervention of 字幕.
- The word 字幕 is derived from 'character' and 'curtain'. In the early days of cinema, subtitles were literally printed on cloth curtains or screens that were dropped down in front of the film.
Examples in context
- トムは、邦画をフランス語の字幕付きで観たんだよ。Tom watched a Japanese movie with French subtitles.This sentence shows how to describe watching a movie with a specific language's subtitles using 字幕.Tatoeba #10617575 by small_snow, translation #2426710 by CK
- 日本語の勉強を始めて、ドラマが字幕なしで分かるようになりました。After I began learning Japanese, I was eventually able to understand dramas without using subtitles.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to understand a drama without using 字幕.Tatoeba #8869437 by mochico, translation #10068770 by tsp_2
- 日本語を勉強して嬉しかったのは、字幕なしでドラマが見られるようになったことだ。Being able to watch a drama without subtitles made me very glad I studied Japanese.This sentence highlights the satisfaction of being able to watch a drama without 字幕 after studying the language.Tatoeba #8888648 by mochico, translation #10001685 by tsp_2
- この映画は字幕付きで御覧ください。Please watch this movie with subtitles.
- この映画は字幕付きでおすすめです！This movie is recommended with subtitles!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a movie at home.
- 美咲 Misakiこの映画、字幕なしで観られるかな？Kono eiga, jimaku nashi de mirareru kana?I wonder if we can watch this movie without subtitles?
- 健太 Kenta日本語の字幕があれば大丈夫だよ。Nihongo no jimaku ga areba daijoubu da yo.It'll be fine if there are Japanese subtitles.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、字幕付きの設定にしてね。Jaa, jimaku tsuki no settei ni shite ne.Then, please set it to include subtitles.
- 健太 Kenta分かった、設定してみるよ。Wakatta, settei shite miru yo.Got it, I'll try to set it up.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
