Gaining the ability to express “written by” in Japanese is essential for those interested in engaging with the language, be it in formal or informal contexts. In this guide, we will explore multiple ways to convey this concept, taking into consideration various regional variations. Through a plethora of tips and examples, you will quickly grasp the richness of Japanese language and culture. So let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Written By” in Japanese
When it comes to formal expressions, Japanese provides several options to convey the notion of “written by.” Here are the most commonly used ones:
- 作 (saku): This term is used when you want to indicate that something is written by someone. For example:
この本は、田中さん作です。（Kono hon wa, Tanaka-san saku desu.）
This sentence translates to “This book is written by Mr. Tanaka.”
著 (cho): This kanji character, typically used after a person’s name, indicates that they are the author of a work. For instance:
この小説は村上春樹著です。（Kono shousetsu wa Murakami Haruki cho desu.）
Here, we express “This novel is authored by Haruki Murakami.”
執筆する (shippitsu suru): This phrase, which literally means “to write,” can be employed when discussing the act of writing. It’s often used in more formal settings, such as academic or professional contexts. An example is:
私は新しい記事を執筆しました。（Watashi wa atarashii kiji o shippitsu shimashita.）
Translated as “I wrote a new article.”
Informal Ways to Say “Written By” in Japanese
Informal expressions are commonly used in casual conversations and everyday language in Japan. Here are some commonly used ones:
- 書いた (kaita): This simple past tense form of the verb “to write” is widely used in casual conversations to indicate the authorship of something. For example:
この絵は私書いたよ。（Kono e wa watashi kaita yo.）
This translates to “I drew this picture.”
やった (yatta): This expression, derived from the casual form of the verb “to do,” can also be used to mean “written by.” However, it is more commonly used to express the completion of an action or task. Here’s an example:
最後の章をやったよ。（Saigo no shou o yatta yo.）
Translated as “I finished the final chapter.”
作成する (sakusei suru): This phrase is often used in informal settings, such as when discussing creating or composing something. For instance:
このブログ記事は私が作成しました。（Kono burogu kiji wa watashi ga sakusei shimashita.）
Here, we express “I created this blog post.”
Regional Variations of “Written By” in Japanese
Japanese language exhibits some regional variations when it comes to conveying “written by.” Although the previous expressions are universally understood, certain regions prefer specific terms or phrases to denote authorship. For instance, in the Kansai dialect, you may come across the expression:
この本は、田中さんの著書です。（Kono hon wa, Tanaka-san no chosho desu.）
This sentence translates to “This book is written by Mr. Tanaka.” Here, the term “著書” (chosho) is often used instead of “著.” It’s important to note these regional variations, as they add depth and richness to the Japanese language.
Final Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you enhance your understanding:
- When referring to oneself as the author, you can use either your name or “自著” (jicho), which means “one’s own work.” For instance, “山田著” (Yamada cho) or “自著です” (Jicho desu).
- Always use honorific language when referring to someone else’s work in formal settings, such as adding “さん” or “先生” (sensei) after their name, indicating respect.
- Feel free to use a combination of the aforementioned expressions according to the context and level of formality required.
- Remember to pay attention to politeness levels when addressing someone, and adjust the expressions accordingly.
Now armed with a wide range of ways to express “written by” in Japanese, you can confidently navigate conversations, discussions, and even written exchanges. Enjoy exploring the beautiful nuances of the language as you delve deeper into Japanese culture!
We hope this guide has provided you with a solid understanding of how to say “written by” in Japanese. Remember to practice these expressions to further strengthen your grasp of the language. Keep immersing yourself in Japanese resources, and soon enough, you’ll become a skilled communicator!
