How to Say Television in Japanese

Gaining proficiency in a foreign language starts with mastering basic vocabulary. So, if you’re keen to learn Japanese and wish to discover how to say “television” in various contexts, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to express “television” in Japanese, without forgetting some essential tips and examples that will enhance your language skills.

Formal Ways to Say Television in Japanese

When speaking in formal contexts such as business settings or official encounters, using the appropriate term for “television” is crucial. Here are a few options:

1. テレビ (te-re-bi)

This is the most commonly used term for “television” in standard Japanese. It derives from the English word “TV” and is widely understood across Japan.

2. テレビジョン (te-re-bi-jon)

This is another formal term for “television” that is less commonly used than テレビ (te-re-bi). It is also derived from the English word “television.”

Informal Ways to Say Television in Japanese

Now let’s explore some informal expressions for “television” that are commonly used in casual conversations, among friends, or when addressing family members:

1. テレビ (te-re-bi)

Surprisingly, the term テレビ (te-re-bi) is widely used in both formal and informal situations. This flexibility makes it convenient when discussing television across different contexts.

2. テレ (te-re)

This abbreviation of テレビ (te-re-bi) is commonly used among friends and younger generations to refer to “television,” especially in casual conversations. It adds a friendly and relaxed tone to your speech.

Example Sentences

By examining example sentences, you’ll gain better insight into the contextual usage of these expressions:

Formal Examples:

• 私の家には大きなテレビがあります。(Watashi no ie ni wa ooki na te-re-bi ga arimasu.)
  Translation: There is a big television at my house.
• 昨夜、テレビジョンで素晴らしい番組を見ました。(Sakuya, te-re-bi-jon de subarashii bangumi o mimashita.)
  Translation: Last night, I watched a fantastic program on television.

Informal Examples:

• テレビで面白い映画を観たよ！(Te-re-bi de omoshiroi eiga o mita yo!)
  Translation: I watched an interesting movie on TV!
• お母さん、テレつけてよ！(Okaasan, te-re tsukete yo!)
  Translation: Mom, turn on the TV please!

Tip: Japanese sentence structure typically places the verb at the end of the sentence. Use this structure to form your own sentences and gradually build your conversational skills.

Regional Variations

While the formal and informal terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it’s worth mentioning that some regional variations exist:

1. テレビジョン (te-re-bi-jon)

In the Kansai region, which includes cities like Kyoto and Osaka, many people use テレビジョン (te-re-bi-jon) instead of テレビ (te-re-bi) to refer to “television.”

2. ビジョン (bi-jon)

In certain parts of Kyushu, an island in southwestern Japan, some individuals use ビジョン (bi-jon) to mean “television.”

Conclusion

Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “television” in Japanese, you can confidently discuss this topic in various scenarios. Remember to use テレビ (te-re-bi) for general use, テレ (te-re) among friends, and テレビジョン (te-re-bi-jon) in formal situations. Practice using these terms through immersive learning methods, such as watching Japanese television programs or engaging in conversations with native speakers. Happy watching and learning!