トランス
toransu[to̞ɾã̠ɰ̃sɨ]
The English word 'trans' is translated into Japanese as トランス (toransu).
In casual or shorthand contexts, トランス is used as a prefix or a clipped form to refer to transgender identity, though it is often part of longer terms like トランスジェンダー (transgender).
Meaning: transgender (adj)
Which one should you use?
The term トランスジェンダー is used to refer to someone who is transgender. The abbreviated form トランス is used in informal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
toransu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful not to assume トランス (toransu) always refers to gender. In many contexts, such as the example provided, it refers to 'trans fats' (トランス脂肪酸).
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, トランス can also refer to a 'transformer' in electrical engineering. A person talking about power grids and someone talking about identity would use the exact same word.
- The word トランス (toransu) can also be the Japanese way to say 'trance' in the context of electronic dance music or hypnotic states.
- In certain Japanese subcultures, such as fans of the 'mecha' genre, トランス can serve as a shorthand for 'transformer' or 'transformation'.
Examples in context
- 日本では、諸外国と比較して食生活におけるトランス脂肪酸の平均摂取量は少なく、相対的に健康への影響は少ないと主張する説もある。Compared to many other countries, the average intake of trans-fats per person in Japan is low and it is hypothesized that it does not have a strong impact on health.This sentence shows how トランス is used when discussing trans fats.Tatoeba #394508 by Scott, translation #394509 by Scott
- 彼はトランスジェンダーの人です。He is a transgender person.
- 彼はトランスなんだって。かっこいいよね。I heard he's trans. It's so cool, right?
- 彼女はトランスの女性です。Kanojo wa toransu no josei desu.She is a trans woman.
- 彼はトランスの男性として生きています。Kare wa toransu no dansei to shite ikite imasu.He lives as a trans man.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new character in a television drama.
- 美咲 Misakiあのドラマの主人公はトランスなの？Ano dorama no shujinkou wa toransu nano?Is the main character in that drama trans?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、トランスのキャラクターだよ。Un, toransu no kyarakutaa dayo.Yes, the character is trans.
- 美咲 Misaki演技がとても自然で驚いたわ。Engi ga totemo shizen de odoroita wa.I was surprised because the acting was so natural.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、すごくリアルだった。Sou dane, sugoku riaru datta.You're right, it was very realistic.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry トランス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries トランス, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
