Specify Japanese Translation Tone
Tone Selection Recommendations

Introduction to Japanese Tones

In the process of Japanese translation, different tones and expressions not only represent the diversity of the language but also profoundly reflect the complexity of Japanese social etiquette and interpersonal relationships.

Whether in daily life or business settings, correctly using honorifics, humble language, and polite language in Japanese translation not only helps convey information but also reflects the speaker's respect for the listener and self-restraint.

In this article, we will explore the use of honorific, humble, and polite language in Japanese. Through specific application scenarios and comparative analysis during the translation process, you will gain a better understanding and appropriate use of these language styles, and choose the correct language when translating Japanese using O.Translator.

Three Types of Tones

Honorifics

Used to express respect for the other party. It is typically used for superiors, clients, elders, or in formal occasions.

Honorifics include respectful verbs (for example: 行く＝いらっしゃる, 見る＝ご覧になる) as well as other forms of expression.

This is used when expressing respect for others, for example: 社長が会議にいらっしゃいます. It is employed to make the text appear more formal and respectful.

Humble Language

This is used to lower one's own status to show respect for the other party. It is common when discussing one's own actions or providing services, expressing respect for the other party.

Humble language includes humble verbs (for example: 行く = 参る, 見る = 拝見する) and other forms of expression.

Used when describing one's own actions, for example: I will attend the meeting. To show humility and respect for the other party.

Polite Language

In Japanese, a tone that expresses politeness and respect is mainly achieved by using forms like 'です' and 'ます' to make sentences appear more courteous and formal.

Polite language is prevalent in daily communication, business contexts, and formal correspondence. It enhances the politeness and formality of the text without significantly increasing the level of special respect for others.

Usage in O.Translator

Specify Japanese Translation Tone

When translating Japanese documents using O.Translator, you can choose between Japanese without specified tone or Japanese with specified tone.

The difference is:

Japanese without specified tone

without-tone

When you choose to translate Japanese without specifying the tone, O.Translator will automatically adjust based on the context to select the appropriate tone for translation.

Typically, the translated text is both accurate and appropriate, but sometimes the tone of the entire text may not be completely consistent.

Japanese with specified tone

with-tone

When you choose to translate Japanese with a specified tone, O.Translator ensures that the tone and level of politeness are consistent throughout the document, thus avoiding issues of mixed and inconsistent tones.

This is particularly important in formal documents.

Tone Selection Recommendations

For particularly formal occasions, it is recommended to use a specified tone for translation to ensure the document consistently maintains politeness and tone.

At other times, O.Translator can automatically adjust the tone based on context, which usually results in a natural and appropriate translation.

You can decide whether to choose a specific tone for translation based on the following suggestions.

Honorifics

Formal business correspondence: Involves formal letters with clients, superiors, or partners.
Invitations and thank-you letters: Issuing invitations or expressing gratitude to clients or esteemed individuals.
Official Meeting Minutes: Record the content of meetings, especially the speeches involving higher-ups or important external figures.

Humble Language

Self-Recommendation Letter: For example, a job application letter, which should express respect for the employer.
Service Documents: Documents for service industries such as hotels and travel agencies, for example, room service instructions.
Meeting Summary: When recording your own or your team members' speeches.

Polite Language

Daily Emails: Used for communication with colleagues, friends, or general business exchanges.
Personal Blog or Diary: Although for personal use, maintain a certain level of politeness and standard.
Briefings and Notices: Internal company notices or short announcements.