Translation is a fascinating process and each language pair brings along its own unique set of challenges and fascinations. However, when you need to translate two languages that don’t have a common script, an additional layer of complexity comes into play. Such is the case with Japanese-to-English translation, made no less challenging by the fact that Japanese writing uses no fewer than three primary scripts! Read on to discover 10 important considerations when translating Japanese texts.
1. Understanding the Japanese writing system
Japanese translation relies on an in-depth understanding and mastery of its three different primary scripts. Japanese is written using kanji, hiragana, and katakana characters. Each serves a different purpose and is used to convey different things. Any given sentence is likely to comprise elements from all three. A comprehensive understanding of each one underpins the Japanese translation process.
If you’re wondering why Japanese writing needs three different scripts, it’s to allow Japanese writers to convey different meanings and add nuances that defy the limits of one single script. In combination, this unique blend of all three creates a sophisticated layering effect that is not only linguistic but also cultural and visual.
2. What is hiragana script?
You are probably now wondering when to use each of these different scripts. If you are interested in learning Japanese, this is certainly one of the first things you will need to master in order to read and write the Japanese language.
First, let’s look at hiragana. This script plays a crucial role in the structure of Japanese as its main function is to indicate grammatical elements. Words such as particles and conjunctions (like “then” and “but”) are written in hiragana, showing relationships between other elements of the sentence and linking ideas.
It’s also used to write native Japanese words (without kanji – more on that later!). Aesthetically, hiragana characters are more rounded than the other Japanese scripts, creating a softer look.
3. When are katakana characters used?
Katakana characters are used to write words that originally came from a foreign language, in other words, it is used for loanwords. It’s also used to write the names of non-Japanese people, as well as countries, cities and other places. Technical and scientific vocabulary is also written in katakana script. Indeed, because Japanese doesn’t have a way to convey certain sounds that are used in languages other than Japanese, katakana can represent foreign-language words in a way that corresponds to Japanese phonetics.
That’s not all, though; katakana characters can also be used to create onomatopoeia, imitating sounds and emotions, as well as to add emphasis, much like the use of italics in English.
Aesthetically, it is much more angular than hiragana characters, often relying on simple shapes and straighter lines.
4. Kanji: pictures and symbols
The third Japanese script is called kanji and differs from katakana and hiragana in the way it is used. Kanji is comprised of logographic characters that are adapted from Chinese characters. Before the 5th century, in ancient Japan, there was no writing system. At this point in history, kanji characters were imported from China and were used to represent nouns and other significant words.
Kanji is unlike hiragana and katakana, which are both syllabaries. This means each character represents a syllable or a sound. Kanji, meanwhile, is comprised of logographic characters, rather like a picture or symbol. Each one denotes a word, idea, or even a concept, instead of a specific sound.
5. Combining characters to create new words
It gets even more complex, though. Kanji can be added to one another to create more complex, compound words or ideas. These compound words are called kanji kongo. They’re particularly common in more formal writing, such as academic and scientific literature, as well as legal or medical documents.
An example of a kanji kongo could be the word 愛国 (aikoku). This combines 愛(ai, which means “love”) with 国 (koku, which means “country”). This creates the idea of “patriotism”, merging “love” with “country”.
Kanji characters and the way they can be locked together in this way are an integral part of the Japanese language. They enable the expression of complex ideas in a concise form. A professional Japanese translator will have expert knowledge in kanji, as well as katakana and hiragana, and – crucially – be able to seamlessly express the ideas and concepts they denote in English.
6. Honorifics
In addition to the scripts themselves, Japanese-to-English translation also requires significant knowledge and understanding of Japanese honorifics.
Honorifics are suffixes (or titles), which can be added to names as a mark of respect. They can also be used to express familiarity or denote another type of relationship. Japanese honorifics are elements of language that are also crucial components of social interactions. That’s because Japanese culture places enormous emphasis on social harmony, politeness, status and respect.
When translating into English, the translator needs to decide whether it is appropriate to convey these honorifics. By retaining them in English, the translator allows these cultural subtleties to be conveyed effectively, which is appropriate if the audience is likely to be familiar with Japanese customs. Alternatively, they can be adapted to an equivalent English expression that shows the same level of respect or familiarity.
7. How to translate symbolism and onomatopoeia
The Japanese language is full of onomatopoeia – when something is named after the sound associated with it – and it often doesn’t translate directly into English. In fact, onomatopoeic expressions play such an important role in Japanese that they are divided into three types.
- Giseigo: These are words that imitate real sounds, such as that of a dog barking or a cat meowing.
- Giongo: These are words that describe sounds made by a non-living creature, such as the sound made by thunder or the wind.
- Gitaigo: These relate to sensations, movements, or emotions rather than sounds. Whereas sound onomatopoeia exists in English (think “pitter patter” or “bang!”), examples of gitaigo are few and far between. One similar example is the word higgledy-piggledy, which denotes and imitates the state of being messy and disordered.
Japanese is full of symbolism and onomatopoeia – and they pose a unique challenge in Japanese translation! The translator has a choice: If the symbol or expression has a similar association in English, they can keep it. An example of this could be the symbol of cherry blossom, which has acquired a sense worldwide of representing transient beauty.
However, many expressions or phrases have no equivalent and the translator may instead find an equivalent English expression that conveys the same underlying meaning.
8. Right to left, or top to bottom?
Did you know Japanese can be written in a vertical format – top to bottom – as well as right to left, and left to right (like English)? The layout of the script depends on several factors, which a professional translator will understand. In traditional or more formal texts, Japanese script is often written vertically.
Many novels, poems, and traditional literary texts are written in vertical format, in a nod to the historical writing style of Japanese literary works. It preserves a traditional aesthetic and brings with it a sense of formality. You’ll also frequently find vertical writing in various newspapers, although many headlines are written horizontally.
Horizontal writing is more commonly favored in modern Japanese, especially when there is a desire to appear more practical and relaxed. It is more readable and as such, is the preferred choice for school textbooks, government documents, on packaging, and in advertisements.
Given the fact that English can only be written from left to right, this stylistic choice cannot be readily reflected in Japanese-to-English translation. As with so many other elements of Japanese translation, the linguist has to find alternative, more creative ways to express these subtleties!
Understanding and navigating the complexities of the Japanese language is no easy task – and that’s why experienced, accredited, and highly qualified Japanese translators are needed. Thankfully, Capital Linguists works with an impressive network of highly skilled Japanese linguists who can deliver top-notch Japanese-to-English translations (and vice versa). Here at Capital Linguists, we understand that cultural subtleties, symbolism, and honorifics are vital components of communication in Japanese that should never be overlooked. That’s why we’ll ensure that no detail is lost in translation!
