JTF Style Guide for Translators
Working into Japanese
Ver. 1.5
December 2016

JTF Style Guide Committee
Japan Translation Federation (JTF)

This translation is based on version 2.3 of the JTF Style Guide forTranslators Working into Japanese as released in December 2016.

Copyright© 2016-2017 Japan Translation Federation and Japan Association of Translators. Copyright on
this text is jointly held by the Japan Translation Federation (JTF), author of theJapanese-language style guide, and the Japan Association of Translators (JAT), translator of thestyle guide into English. The content may be used for educational and other non-sale purposes
provided that the portion used is used unchanged and proper attribution credit is given to the JTF
and JAT. Any other use requires prior written consent from the copyright holders.

Disclaimer
This text is intended to help translators make informed decisions and stay consistent. It is verymuch a work in progress and not a prescriptive absolute with governmental or other official
backing. While every effort has been made to ensure usefulness, the copyright holders may not beheld liable, either individually or jointly, for problems arising from the recommendations’application.

Acknowledgements
We are indebted to the members of the JTF Style Guide Committee's Advisory Group for theirvaluable advice and comments.

JTF Style Guide Committee
Chair
Chizuka Tanaka
Members
Naoko Azuma
Ryutaro Nishino
Nana Tajima
Akira Takahashi

JAT Translation TeamFred Uleman
Emily Shibata-Sato
Syra Morii

Revision History
Corrected the usage of "jōyō" (common use) kanji.
Added the description of 欲しい and ほしい.

•

08/26/2014•

02/22/2016
Changed the reference of Gairaigo (Katakana) Hyōki Gaidorain (guidelines
for representing loan words in katakana) published by the Japan Technical Communicators
Association.
2

•

12/20/2016
Changed the reference of Nihongo Sutairu Gaido (Japanese style guide)edited by the Japan Technical Communicators Association.

3

Twelve Principles
1. Be style-consistent.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

See

本文の文型を、敬体に統一します。 本文の文型を、敬体に統一する。一般
一般読者向けのマニュアルでは、通 読者向けのマニュアルでは、通常、敬常、敬体が使われます。
体が使われます。
Is consistently in the keitai (polite)
style.

1.1 Style

Mixes keitai (polite) style and jōtai(direct) style.

2. Use double-byte punctuation marks.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

See

これは、見本となる例です。

これは, 見本となる例です.

Uses Japanese double-bytecomma (、) and double-bite period(。).

Uses single-byte comma (,) andsingle-byte period (.) in Japanese text.

1.2.
Punctuation

3. Use kanjis and their readings listed in the "jōyō" (common use) kanji table.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

おいしい
おおむね

美味しい
概ね

Does not use non-jōyō kanji.

These kanji are listed in the jōyō kanji
table but their readings.

See
2.1.2. Kanji

4. Follow the "Okurigana no Tsukekata" honsoku (main rules) for kana endings on
kanji verbs.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

取り消す
引き渡す

取消す
引渡す

Includes okurigana (connectingkana) in compound verbs.

Omits the connecting kana incompound terms.

See
2.1.3. Kanji withokurigana

5. Do not omit the vowel extension at the end of katakana words.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

コンピューター
ユーザー

コンピュータユーザ

Uses the standard extended vowelform.

Clips the extension off theconcluding vowel sound.

4

See
2.1.6. Chōon(extendedvowel soundmarks) withkatakana

6. Separate katakana words with double-byte nakaguro (・) or single-byte spaces.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

See

ユーザー ・ イ ンターフェース
ユーザー インターフェース

ユーザーインターフェース

First instance uses nakaguro,
second uses single-byte spaces.

No separation between words.

2.1.7. Katakana

compoundwords

7. Use double-byte kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
Acceptable

UnacceptableSee
2.1.5. Katakana

メールアドレス

ﾒｰﾙｱﾄﾞﾚｽ

Uses full-width double-byte kana.

Uses single-byte and scrunches thekana up.

8. Use single-byte numbers and single-byte non-Japanese alphabetics.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

123,456

１２３，４５６See
2.1.8. Arabic numerals

abc DEF

ｂｃｄ Ｂ Ｃ Ｄ

2.1.9. Alphabetic script

9. Use double-byte symbols.
Acceptable？！：（ )「 」

UnacceptableSee
4. Writing andUsing Symbols? ! : ( )｢｣10. Do not put single-byte spaces between single-byte text and double-byte text.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

JTF標準

JTF 標準No space after the alphabetics.

Adding a space makes theseparation excessive.

See
3. Character
Spacing

11. Use single-byte periods, commas, and spaces with single-byte text.
Acceptable

Unacceptable

785,105

785、105

12.5

12．5

See
4.1.3. Single-byte
period (.) andsingle-byte comma (,)

12. Be consistent in unit nomenclature.
Acceptable
2kg

354m

20℃

Is consistently metric.

Unacceptable
3ft

23 坪

14km

Mixes American, Japanese, andmetric units.

5See
5. Writing Units

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Sentences ···················································································· 91.1. Style ................................................................................................... 9
1.1.1.
1.1.2.
1.1.3.
1.1.4.
1.1.5.

Body text ............................................................................................9
Captions .............................................................................................9
Outline form ........................................................................................9
Text in figures ...................................................................................10
Figure captions .................................................................................10

1.2. Punctuation ..................................................................................... 10
1.2.1.
1.2.2.

Double-byte period ( 。) and comma ( 、) ......................................10Single-byte period (.) and comma (,) ................................................10

2. Within Sentences ········································································ 10
2.1. Script and word usage ................................................................... 10
2.1.1.
2.1.2.
2.1.3.
2.1.4.
2.1.5.
2.1.6.
2.1.7.
2.1.8.
2.1.9.
2.1.10.

Hiragana...........................................................................................10
Kanji .................................................................................................10
Kanji with okurigana ......................................................................... 11
Okurigana for compound words ........................................................12
Katakana ..........................................................................................12
Chōon (extended vowel sound marks) with katakana .......................12
Katakana compound words ..............................................................13
Arabic numerals ...............................................................................14
Alphabetic script ...............................................................................14
Position of Arabic numerals ..............................................................142.2. Writing Japanese script.................................................................. 15
2.2.1.
2.2.2.
2.2.3.

Proper use of hiragana and kanji ......................................................15
Proper use of Arabic and kanji numbers ...........................................18
Written expression of numeral classifiers..........................................18

3. Character Spacing······································································· 19
3.1. Spaces between characters ........................................................... 19
3.1.1.
3.1.2.
3.1.3.

Between double-byte characters and single-byte characters ............ 19
Between two double-byte characters ................................................19
Between two single-byte characters .................................................19

3.2. Between katakana words ............................................................... 19
3.3. Between Japanese parentheses and adjacent characters .......... 19
4. Writing and Using Symbols ·························································· 19
4.1. Punctuation ..................................................................................... 19
4.1.1.
4.1.2.
4.1.3.

Kuten (double-byte period) ( 。) ......................................................19
Tōten (double-byte comma) ( 、) .....................................................19
Single-byte period (.) and single-byte comma (,) ..............................20

4.2. Symbols ........................................................................................... 20
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
4.2.5.
4.2.6.
4.2.7.
4.2.8.

Double-byte exclamation mark (！) ..................................................20
Double-byte question mark (？) ........................................................20
Slash (/) (／) .....................................................................................20
Nakaguro (middle dot) (・) ...............................................................21
Namisen (wave dash) (～) ................................................................21
Hyphen (-) ........................................................................................21
Colon (：) .........................................................................................21
Semicolon (；)..................................................................................216

4.2.9.

Dash .................................................................................................21

4.3. Parentheses and brackets ............................................................. 21
4.3.1.
4.3.2.
4.3.3.
4.3.4.
4.3.5.
4.3.6.
4.3.7.
4.3.8.

Marukakko (parentheses) （ ） ......................................................21
Daikakko (brackets) ［ ］ ...............................................................22
Kagikakko (corner brackets) 「 」 ..................................................22
Nijū kagikakko (double corner brackets) 『 』 ................................22
Nijū inyōfu (double quotation marks) " " ............................................22
Chūkakko (curly brackets or braces) { } ............................................22
Yamakakko (angle brackets) 〈 〉 ..................................................22
Ichijū inyōfu (single quotation marks) ' ' ............................................22

5. Writing Units··············································································· 22
5.1. Units ................................................................................................. 225.2. Writing unit symbols....................................................................... 23
5.3. Individual units................................................................................ 23
5.3.1.
5.3.2.
5.3.3.
5.3.4.
5.3.5.
5.3.6.
5.3.7.
5.3.8.
5.3.9.
5.3.10.
5.3.11.
5.3.12.
5.3.13.

Time .................................................................................................23
Length ..............................................................................................23
Mass ................................................................................................23
Area and Volume ..............................................................................23
Electricity ..........................................................................................23
Temperature .....................................................................................23
Frequency ........................................................................................23
Speed ...............................................................................................23
Transmission rate .............................................................................23
Rate/ratio..........................................................................................23
Angle ................................................................................................23
Memory capacity ..............................................................................23
Currency...........................................................................................23

Bibliography

7

Introduction
Why this style guide?
The JTF Style Guide for Translators Working into Japanese was compiled by the JTF Style Guide
Committee to provide general standardization guidelines for translators working into Japanese.
Japanese poses special problems because it has multiple scripts (kanji ideograms, two kanaphonetic alphabets, and foreign-language forms) in common use. Good writing being an essential
part of good translation, it is imperative translators know how to select the proper script andcombination of scripts. Indeed, style inconsistency may well adversely impact technical accuracy
and reader comprehension.
That said, this style guide is not intended to teach readers how to translate well, or even how
to write well. Rather, the rules and guidelines set forth here are to supplement those skills readersalready possess by offering guidance specific to representational issues in translation.
Please note that these rules assume Japanese text written horizontally and may not apply tovertical text.

Criteria employed
The two criteria used in formulating the JTF style guide rules were (a) that they point to currently
accepted and approved usage and (b) that they be adaptable to technological advances. As such,these rules are intended to help translators understand the different Japanese writing styles usedin commercial (i.e., non-literary) translation and select a style appropriate to their needs andpurposes.
When several styles are in common use, the different styles are explained so the translator
can make an informed decision. Examples have been selected using words and phrases thatshow up frequently in commercial translation because even common terms tend to be writtendifferently by different people in different contexts.
The JTF Style Guide for Translators Working into Japanese will be updated from time to time
to reflect changing writing styles and to offer up-to-date guidance. The latest Japanese-language
version is available at http://www.jtf.jp/jp/style_guide/styleguide_top.html.

How to use this style guide
The styles advocated here are for general use. When specific companies and industries may havetheir own style rules, the translator should feel free to give preference to those in-house styles.
The important thing is that the style be consistent and suited to the translation’s particularrequirements. Indeed, translators may well want to work with clients to compile client-specific styleguides.

8

1.
1.1.

SentencesStyle

1.1.1. Body text
Choose either keitai (polite/formal/friendly style) or jōtai (direct style) and be consistent throughout
the text. Do not mix the two styles.
Which style to choose depends upon the nature of the text, the purpose of the text, and theintended readership.
Keitai (a.k.a. "ですます"
desu/masu style)
Jōtai (a.k.a. "である" dearu style)

A polite, non-confrontational style used mainly for basic texts,
pamphlets, manuals, and websites for general readers.
A simple and powerful style better suited to explanatory texts
and manuals for specialist readers.

1.1.2. Captions
Use either jōtai or taigen-dome (sentence fragments ending with a noun or noun phrase) for
captions even when keitai is used for the body text. Manuals for general readers often use
captions ending with particles (e.g., …には and …とは). Periods are not used at the end of
single-sentence or fragment captions.
Description
Taigen-dome
Jōtai
Ending with a particle

Example
用字と用語の使い方
タイマー予約する
困ったときにはWhichever is chosen, be consistent and do not mix styles.

1.1.3. Outline form
Be consistent in consideration of the style used for the body text. General rules are as follows:• When keitai is used for a text for general readers, keitai can also be used in listing items.
• Even if keitai is used for the body text of technical or specialized texts, jōtai or taigen-dome
may be used when listing items.
• When jōtai is used for the body text, use jōtai or taigen-dome in listing items.
• Do not mix keitai and jōtai in a single listing.
• Be consistent in using or not using periods.
Description
Keitai for the body text,
taigen-dome for items listed.
Keitai for the body text,
jōtai for items listed.

Example次をお知らせください。
・商品名と型名
・購入年月日次の順序で操作してください。
・Shift キーを押しながら Enter キーを押す。
・「いいえ」ボタンをクリックする。

9

1.1.4. Text in figures
Use keitai, jōtai, or taigen-dome depending upon the nature of the text. Once the decision has
been made, be consistent and do not mix them. Do not use periods at the end of fragment entries.

1.1.5. Figure captions
Treat these the same as text in figures. Use keitai, jōtai, or taigen-dome depending upon thenature of the text. Once the decision has been made, be consistent and do not mix them. Do not
use periods at the end of single-sentence or fragment entries.

1.2.

Punctuation

1.2.1. Double-byte period ( 。) and comma ( 、)Use double-byte Japanese periods ( 。) and commas ( 、) within Japanese text.
Acceptable
Unacceptable
これは、見本となる例です｡
これは, 見本となる例です.
See also 4.1.1 "Kuten (double-byte period) ( 。)" and 4.1.2 "Tōten (double-byte comma) ( 、)."

1.2.2. Single-byte period (.) and comma (,)
Use single-byte periods (.) and commas (,) within proper nouns and numbers written in single-bytealphabetics.
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Ministry of Economy、Trade and Industry
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
785，105
785,105
12．5
12.5
See also 4.1.3 "Single-byte period (.) and single-byte comma (,)."

2.
2.1.

Within Sentences
Script and word usage

2.1.1. Hiragana
Use double-byte hiragana. Follow the rules set forth in "Gendai Kanazukai" (contemporary kanausage), Cabinet Notification No. 1 of July 1, 1986.

2.1.2. Kanji
Generally follow the rules set forth in "Jōyō Kanji Hyō" (jōyō kanji table), Cabinet Notification No. 2
of November 30, 2010. There are, however, some kanji that are customarily used in business andcommercial translation even though they are not in the jōyō kanji table.
Acceptable
Reason聡明, 推敲, 莫大
Are in common use
拿捕. 改竄, 楕円
Unnatural for only one of the kanji to be represented by hiragana(e.g., だ捕, 改ざん, だ円)
罫線, 右揃え
Easier to understand when written in kanji
梱包, 斡旋In common use as technical terms
See also see 2.2.1. "Proper use of hiragana and kanji."10

2.1.3. Kanji with okurigana
Consistency is the prime imperative in using okurigana (kana suffixes following kanji stems). In
general, follow the 2010 "Jōyō Kanji Hyō" and "Okurigana no Tsukekata" (okurigana rules),Cabinet Notification No. 2 of June 18, 1973.
Refer also to Yōji Yōgo Shin-hyōki Jiten (dictionary of new script and word usage standards),
Dai-ichi Hōki, Tokyo, 4th edition, 2011.
"Okurigana no Tsukekata" has three general sets of rules for okurigana.
1. Honsoku (main rules)
2. Reigai (allowable exceptions)
3. Kyoyō (permissible variations on the main rules)
Among the permissible variations are:Okurigana added
Honsoku
Kyoyō
Reason for choosing "kyoyō"
表す
表わす
To ensure it is read "arawasu" and not "hyōsu"
行った
行なった
To ensure it is read "okonatta" and not "itta"
現れる
現われる
断る
断わる
Okurigana omitted
Honsoku
Kyoyō
Reason for choosing "kyoyō"
浮かぶ浮ぶ
Unlikely to be misread and saves space
当たる
当る
終わる
終る
"Okurigana no Tsukekata" provides numerous examples of the three sets of rules indicating thatthey tend to be very loosely and inconsistently used. That said, okurigana style should be as
consistent as possible. Choose one style for each word in any given text.

2.1.3.1. Okurigana for verbs
This style guide recommends following honsoku.
Recommended
Not recommended
行う
行なう
表す
表わす
現れる
現われる
浮かぶ
浮ぶ
終わる
終る

2.1.3.2. Okurigana for nouns
This style guide recommends following honsoku in principle but using "kyoyō" if (a) the word iscustomarily used without okurigana and (b) it is unlikely to be misread.
Use
Examples答え or 答
問いと答え, 答の欄
曇り or 曇
晴れのち曇り, 天気は曇です
届け or 届届けを出す, 転出届
願い or 願願いを聞く, 休暇願

11

2.1.4. Okurigana for compound words
Follow "Jōyō Kanji Hyō" and "Okurigana no Tsukekata" when using okurigana in compound words.
Refer also to Yōji Yōgo Shin-hyōki Jiten, 4th edition, to maintain a consistent writing style.
However, there are some words that do not follow "Jōyō Kanji Hyō" and "Okurigana no
Tsukekata" or are not listed in the Yōji Yōgo Shin-hyōki Jiten but are still commonly used.
In principle, do not omit okurigana in compound verbs.
Use
Do not use
書き込む
書込む
取り扱う
取扱う
引き換える
引換える
申し込む
申込む
請け負う
請負う
組み立てる
組立てる
Okurigana may be omitted in nouns derived from compound verbs. That said it is important to be
as style-consistent as possible in any given text.
Examples
取り扱い or 取扱い or 取扱
引き換え or 引換え or 引換
申し込み or 申込み or 申込
繰り上げ or 繰上げ or 繰上組み立て or 組立て or 組立
置き場 or 置場
Omit okurigana for nouns customarily used without okurigana.
Acceptable
Unacceptable
取締役
取り締まり役
請負
請け負い
繰入率
繰り入れ率
申込書
申し込み書
売上金
売り上げ金

2.1.5. Katakana
Double-byte katakana is the default unless otherwise specified. When using katakana follow therules in "Gairaigo no Hyōki" (representing loan words), Cabinet Notification No. 2 of June 28,
1991, and Gairaigo (Katakana) Hyōki Gaidorain (guidelines for representing loan words inkatakana) published by the Japan Technical Communicators Association, Tokyo, 2015.

2.1.6. Chōon (extended vowel sound marks) with katakana
Follow the rules in the Japan Technical Communicators Association’s Gairaigo (Katakana) Hyōki
Gaidorain.

12

Katakana words with extended vowels
Use
Do not use
コンピューター
コンピュータ
ドライバー
ドライバ
メーカー
メーカ
プリンター
プリンタ
タイマー
タイマ
ユーザー
ユーザ
エレベーター
エレベータ
モーター
モータ
カレンダー
カレンダ
レーダー
レーダ
モジュラー
モジュラ

Source English iscomputerdrivermaker
printertimer
user
elevator
motor
Calendar
Radar
Modular

アクセサリーエネルギー
アイデンティティー
メロディー
メモリー
パーティー
エディター

Accessory
EnergyIdentity
MelodyMemoryParty
Editorアクセサリ
エネルギ
アイデンティティ
メロディ
メモリ
パーティ
エディタ

2.1.7. Katakana compound words
Use a nakaguro (・) or a single-byte space to separate katakana compound words.
Acceptable
Unacceptable
グラフィック・ユーザー・インターフェース
グラフィックユーザーインターフェース
グラフィック ユーザー インターフェース
First example uses nakaguro,
No separation between the words
second uses single-byte spaces.
Proper nouns (e.g., foreign names) are usually separated with nakaguro.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of these different systems and why does this styleguide recommend using either nakaguro or single-byte spaces?
Using nakaguro
Using single-byte spaces
Using neither
Clear separation between
Clear separation between
Unclear separation between
words
words
words
Relatively messy
Relatively neat appearance
Relatively neat appearance
appearance
Using both bullet points toUsing bullet points to list
Using bullet points to list
list items and nakaguro may items and single-byte
items and nothing tocause confusion. (See 4.2.4. spaces to separate words is separate words is unlikely to"Nakaguro (middle dot) (・)") unlikely to cause confusioncause confusion
Easy to computer
Difficult to computer
Difficult to computersearch/replace whensearch/replace whensearch/replace whenswitching to anotherswitching to anotherswitching to anotherword-separation method
word-separation method
word-separation method13

Inconsistency may arise
from forgetting to insert
nakaguro or insertingnakaguro in the wrong place
May be used with bothvertical and horizontal
writing
Widely used in books,
newspapers, textbooks,
academic papers, etc.

Inconsistency may arise
from forgetting to insert
single-byte spaces orinserting them in the wrong
place
Not suitable for vertical
writing
Mainly used in IT-related
manuals

There being no separation,
inconsistency from forgetting
or erroneously inserting aseparation is unlikely
May be used with bothvertical and horizontal
writing
Widely used in books,
newspapers, magazines,
etc.
Because there is no term
separation, machinetranslation systems may
have difficulty identifyingphrases as unknown words

All three systems are all typically used in commercial translation, making it difficult to selectjust one.
The JTF style guide recommends using either the nakaguro or a single-byte space as theclearest delineation between katakana words for both human translators and machine translation
systems.
While it is up to the translator to decide which style to use, the following points should betaken into consideration.
• Once the style is selected, use it consistently throughout.
• Use terminology and usage glossaries to ensure consistency.
• Avoid creating overly long strings of katakana words.
• While it is preferable to insert separations between words, inserting separations iscounter-recommended if the original compound word contains a hyphen, if each word’s
independence is weak and the phrase is difficult to decipher, or if the phrase is short.
Acceptable
Source English is
ログイン
log in
リアルタイムreal time
ダブルクリック
double click
スタイルガイドstyle guide

2.1.8. Arabic numerals
Use single-byte characters to write Arabic numerals. While double-byte characters may bepermissible in some special cases, single-byte characters should be used throughout forconsistency.

2.1.9. Alphabetic script
Use single-byte characters to write non-Japanese alphabetic text. While double-byte characters
may be permissible in some special cases, single-byte characters should be used throughout forconsistency.

2.1.10. Position of Arabic numerals
Use commas to separate groups of digits and periods for decimal points (e.g., 36,333.333). Thatsaid, commas to separate groups of digits may be omitted in some cases (e.g., 2013 or 11030).
14

2.2.

Writing Japanese script

2.2.1. Proper use of hiragana and kanji
In commercial translation, the proper use of hiragana and kanji is defined by the general practicein the industry or field. For words or phrases that can be written in either kanji or hiragana, there isa tendency to use kanji in the patent, finance, and legal fields and to use hiragana in such fields as
information processing and general writing.
Some examples of hiragana and kanji character usage for high-frequency words and phrases
in commercial translation are given below as reference to help ensure writing style consistency.
Creating usage and terminology glossaries is an effective way to maintain consistency.
Words and phrases commonly written in hiragana
Use
Do not use
あらかじめ
予め
いずれ
何れ
いつ
何時
およそ
凡そ
おもむろに
徐に
かえって
却って
かつ
且つ
Use hiragana even though the kanji 且 is in
the jōyō kanji table～かもしれない～かも知れない～ください～下さい
Use hiragana when it is used as asupplementary verb. E.g., 出してください.
Use the kanji 下さい when it is used as a verb.
E.g., 切符を下さい.
これほど
これ程
ご～
御～
E.g., ご覧ください, ご意見.
子ども
さらに子供, こども
更に

しかし
しばらく
すなわち
～すべき
せっかく
たびたび
ただし
～たち

然し
暫く
即ち
～可き
折角
度々
但し
～達

できる
どこ
ないし
なかなか
なお
ほど

出来る
何処
乃至
中々
尚
程

または

又は

Use hiragana even though the kanji 更 is in
the jōyō kanji table

Use hiragana when it refers to the plural ofpeople categories.
E.g., 達成できる

Use hiragana even though the kanji 又 is in
the jōyō kanji table
15

むしろ
めったに
もはや
もしくは
もって
～ように
よほど

寧ろ
滅多に
最早
若しくは
以て, 以って～様に余程Words and phrases commonly written in kanji
Use
Do not use
一切
いっさい
必ず
かならず
大いに
おおいに
強いて
しいて
～中
～じゅう
E.g., 世界中, 一日中
時々
ときどき
何しろ
なにしろ
E.g., 何しろ困っている
何もなにもE.g., 何も知らない
何らかの
なんらかの
E.g., 何らかの策
何ともなんとも
E.g., 何とも言えない
Different kanji for different purposes
Use
Do not use
箇所
個所
個 is a non-jōyō kanji when it is pronounced "ka."
箇条書き
個条書き
個 is a non-jōyō kanji when it is pronounced "ka."
付属する
附属する
付属 is preferable when it is used as a verb.
摩耗, 摩滅磨耗, 磨滅摩 means "to scrub," 磨 "to polish."Hiragana and kanji usage differs depending upon how the term is being used.
Use
Do not use
および及びKanji is in the jōyō kanji table, but hiragana ispreferable when this is used as a connector.
及ぶ
およぶ
Kanji is preferable when this is used as a verb. E.g.,
影響が及ぶ.
いたします
致します
Hiragana is preferable when this is used as asupplementary verb. E.g., お願いいたします.
致す
いたす
Kanji is preferable when this is a verb similar to する
and 行う. E.g., 思いを致す.
したがって
従って
Hiragana is preferable when this is a transitional
word.
従う
したがう
Kanji is preferable when this is a verb.
～だす～出す
Hiragana is preferable when this is used in the"starting" sense. E.g., 動きだす and 笑いだす.
～出す

～だす

付く

つく

Kanji is preferable when this is used in the "out"sense. E.g., 探し出す and 見つけ出す.
Kanji is preferable when this is a verb. E.g., 利子が付く and 気が付く.

16

～つく

～付く

～つき

～付き

～とおり

～通り

～通り

～とおり

ほしい

欲しい

欲しい

ほしい

Hiragana is preferable when this is a suffix.
E.g., 活気づく and 凍りつく.
Hiragana is preferable when this is a suffix. E.g., 目
つき and 手つき.
Hiragana is preferable when this is an adjectival
suffix. E.g., 思ったとおり and 以下のとおりです.
Kanji is preferable when this is a countable. E.g., 2
通りの方法 (two ways).
Hiragana is preferable when this is a suffix. E.g., 考
えてほしい。
Kanji is preferable when this is a verb. E.g., この本が欲しい。

Many common business terms have multiple acceptable forms. While both forms shown below are
acceptable, it is important to be consistent within any given document. When either kanji or kana is
acceptable, default to hiragana if there is no specific reason for using kanji.
余りに
あまりに
～うえで
～上で
E.g., 学習するうえで重要な項目
きわめて
極めて
さまざま
様々
すでに
既に
すべて
全て
ともに
共に
E.g., 提携企業とともに成長する
たとえば
例えば
ただちに
直ちに
とうてい
到底
はたして
果たして
ひときわ
一際
ひとたび
一度
ほか
他 or 外E.g., 他を探す, この他に必要なもの, 思いの外
ほかならぬ
他ならぬ or
外ならぬ
まったく
全く
もともと
元々
わかる
分かる or 解る
or 判る
ひとつひとつ
一つ一つ
わたし
私
われわれ
我々
わが
我が
E.g., 我が祖国, わが家
There are many homonyms that use different kanji to express different shades of meaning. For
example:as in 従順 and 柔順
従 vs 柔伝 vs 電as in 超伝導 and 超電導
附 vs 付
as in 附則 and 付則
濫 vs 乱as in 濫獲 and 乱獲
濫 vs 乱as in 濫造 and 乱造
濫 vs 乱as in 濫用 and 乱用17

箇 vs かas in 5 箇所 and 5 か所
See 2.2.3 "Written expression of numeral classifiers" for information on counters.

2.2.2. Proper use of Arabic and kanji numbers
Use Arabic numerals to express quantities and numbers of things that can be counted. This
includes words that can be replaced with numbers. Arabic numerals are also used for ordinal
numerals (e.g., first, second, and -nth).
Using Arabic numerals
Representation
1 億 2805 万人
3 つのボタン
第 3 回大会
4 か月
1 番目, 2 番目
2 進法
3 次元

Meaning
128,050,000 people
Three buttons
The third meeting
Four months
First, second
BinaryThree dimensional

Follow the standard practice in using kanji numbers for words and phrases such as multiple-kanjiphrases, approximate figures, proper nouns, and adverbs.
Examples of using kanji numerals
Representation
Meaning
世界一
Number one in the world
一時的Temporary
一部分
A part of第三者
Third party
一種のOf a kind
一部のA portion of
一番にFirst of all
数百倍
Several hundredfold
二次関数
Quadratic function
四捨五入
Round off
四角いSquare
五大陸
Five continents

2.2.3. Written expression of numeral classifiers
It is common to see ヵ, か, カ, ヶ, ケ, 箇, or 個 between the number and the kanji for what it
modifies. However, this style guide recommends using the hiragana か in all such cases.
Use
Example～か月, ～か所
3 か月未満, 数か月, 10 か所～か国
3 か国会議～か年
5 か年計画

18

3.
3.1.

Character Spacing
Spaces between characters

3.1.1. Between double-byte characters and single-byte characters
In principle, do not insert a space between double-byte characters and single-byte characters.

3.1.2. Between two double-byte characters
In principle, do not insert a space between two double-byte characters, the exception being theoption of a single-byte space between katakana compound words. See also 2.1.7. "Katakana
compound words."

3.1.3. Between two single-byte characters
When including European text within Japanese text, for example when inserting a quote inEuropean text within Japanese text, maintain the single-byte spaces between words in theEuropean text.

3.2.

Between katakana words

Separate katakana words with nakaguro (・) or single-byte spaces. See also 2.1.7. "Katakana
compound words."

3.3.

Between Japanese parentheses and adjacent characters

Do not insert spaces on either side of Japanese double-byte parentheses.

4.
4.1.

Writing and Using Symbols
Punctuation

4.1.1. Kuten (double-byte period) ( 。)
The Japanese period at the end of the sentence is always double-byte ( 。). It is not, however,used at the end of sentences within kagikakko (corner brackets or「 」) or parentheses ( ).
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example。
A 氏は「5 月に新製品を発売します」と述べました。
Double。
従業員は約 30,000 人です（関連企業を含みます）

4.1.2. Tōten (double-byte comma) ( 、)The Japanese comma is always double-byte ( 、). It is used to indicate a pause in a sentence or toclarify the sentence structure (i.e., to make the sentence more readable and convey the meaning
more accurately). It may also be used to separate words, phrases, or clauses in series.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example、
A 社は、設備投資を続けながら業績が低迷する子会社を
Double
合併しました。
A 社は設備投資を続けながら、業績が低迷する子会社を
19

合併しました。
開発、営業、製造の 3 部門に通達しました。

4.1.3. Single-byte period (.) and single-byte comma (,)
Use the single-byte comma to separate groups of digits and use the single-byte period for decimal
points and after numbers in itemized lists. Do not use single-byte commas or single-byte periods inJapanese text.

4.2.

Symbols

4.2.1. Double-byte exclamation mark (！)
This is not commonly used in Japanese business documents. Even when an exclamation mark isused in the source text, it is preferable to use a double-byte period (kuten) in the Japanese text.
An exclamation mark in the source text is replaced by a double-byte period
Source text: Just plug it in, and coffee is ready in three minutes!
Translation: プラグを差し込めば、3 分でコーヒーができます。
The double-byte exclamation mark is, however, used in advertising copy and to focus reader
attention. If you use it at the end of a sentence, insert a double-byte space between theexclamation mark and the following sentence. Do not follow the exclamation mark with a spacewhen it is within a sentence.
Examples of using exclamation marks（！）in translated text
警告！
驚きの速さ！ これが新製品のキャッチコピーでした。
おおっ！という声が上がりました。

4.2.2. Double-byte question mark (？)
This is not commonly used in Japanese business documents. Even when a question mark is usedin the source text, it is preferable to use the question-indicating か and a double-byte period(kuten) in the Japanese text.
A question mark in the source text changes to a period in the translation
Source text: Does the reader understand the document?
Translation: 読者は文書の内容を理解しているでしょうか。
The double-byte question mark is, however, used in advertising and in questions to readers. If
you use it at the end of a sentence, insert a double-byte space between the question mark andthe following sentence. Do not follow the question mark with a space within a sentence.
A question mark（？）in translated text
オプションを変更しますか？
A 社の成功の秘訣とは？ この本ではそれをご紹介します。
どう操作したらよいのか？というユーザーの疑問に答えます。

4.2.3. Slash (/) (／)
Used when writing fractions, in non-Japanese text, and between text items to signify "or." Not
commonly used in Japanese text.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example/, ／Either
The fraction 1/3, I/O, 50Hz/60Hz
20

4.2.4. Nakaguro (middle dot) (・)Used when separating katakana compound words and when listing words of the same rank side
by side. Note that using nakaguro both to separate katakana compound words and to list words ofthe same rank in the same text should be avoided because it can easily confuse readers. See also
2.1.7 "Katakana compound words."
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example
・小・中学校, パーソナル・コンピューター
Double4.2.5. Namisen (wave dash) (～)
Used to express ranges of numerical values.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example～
18～22 歳まで
DoublePeople between the ages of 18 and 22

4.2.6. Hyphen (-)
Hyphens should generally be avoided in Japanese text. When a hyphen is used (e.g., in an
address or a telephone number), use a single-byte character.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example
千代田区一番町 1-1-1
Single03-5555-xxxx

4.2.7. Colon (：)
Colons (:) should not be used in Japanese text. Even if the source text uses a colon, do not use it
in the Japanese text. However, colons may be used in Japanese text between categories andspecific information. When using a colon in Japanese text, use a double-byte colon.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example
日時：3
：
月
16
日午後
1時
DoubleTime & date: March 16 at 1:00 pm,
例：パリ、ニューヨーク、東京
Examples: Paris, New York, and Tokyo

4.2.8. Semicolon (；)
Semicolons (;) should not be used in Japanese text. Even if the source text uses a semicolon, do
not use it in the Japanese text.

4.2.9. Dash
Neither m-dashes (—) nor n-dashes (–) should be used in Japanese text. Using dashes inJapanese text may cause problems in processing documents electronically.

4.3.

Parentheses and brackets

4.3.1. Marukakko (parentheses) （ ）Used to provide supplementary explanations of and alternate wordings for the immediately
preceding text.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example（ ）クォータ（割り当て）
Double21

4.3.2. Daikakko (brackets) ［ ］
Used for special purposes, such as to indicate user interface terminology for computers and otherelectronic devices.
Symbol［ ］

Single- or double-byte
DoubleUsage example［ファイル］メニュー

4.3.3. Kagikakko (corner brackets) 「 」
Used to indicate quotations, magazine articles, and text to be input, as well as for emphasis.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example「 」「第 6 章インストール方法」を参照してください。
Double4.3.4. Nijū kagikakko (double corner brackets) 『 』
Used to indicate literary titles and when putting kagikakko inside kagikakko.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example『 』『基礎日本語辞典』
Double4.3.5. Nijū inyōfu (double quotation marks) " "Not commonly used in Japanese text, but, when used, used to indicate quotations and foremphasis.
SymbolSingle- or double-byte
Usage example
いわゆる"スマート"な都市" "Single4.3.6. Chūkakko (curly brackets or braces) { }Should not be used in Japanese text. Use only when the source document uses curly brackets
and the same format must be maintained in the translation.

4.3.7. Yamakakko (angle brackets) 〈 〉
Should not be used in Japanese text. Use only when the source document uses angle brackets
and the same format must be maintained in the translation.

4.3.8. Ichijū inyōfu (single quotation marks) ' 'Should not be used in Japanese text. Use only when the source document uses single quotation
marks and the same format must be maintained in the translation.

5.
5.1.

Writing Units
Units

In principle, follow the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Z8202 (Weights and Units) and Z8203(International System of Units, or SI, and Their Uses). When writing unit symbols using single-bytealphabetics, numbers, and symbols, follow the SI recommendations, including the use of upperand lower cases. Non-SI symbols such as "dpi" and "カロリー" may be used in some cases.

22

5.2.

Writing unit symbols

Generally use either single-byte alphabetics (e.g., kg, mm, MB, W, and Hz) or double-bytekatakana (e.g., キログラム, ミリメートル, メガバイト, ワット, ヘルツ) for unit symbols. Kanji
is used for time units (e.g., 時, 分, 秒).
Individuals, organizations, academic bodies, and the like should be constantly thinking about
the best use of symbols and should formulate standards for consistency.

5.3.

Individual units

5.3.1.

What is measured
Time

Examples of units to be used
時間, 時, 分, 秒, ミリ秒

5.3.2.

Lengthmm, km, ミリメートル, センチメートル

5.3.3.

Massg, kg, t, グラム, キログラム, トン

5.3.4.

Area and Volume㎡, 平方メートル, 立方メートル

5.3.5.

Electricity

A, W, V, アンペア, ワット, ボルト

5.3.6.

Temperature℃, 度

5.3.7.

Frequency

Hz, ヘルツ

5.3.8.

Speed

m/s, キロメートル毎時, 分速～km

5.3.9.

Transmission ratebps, Kbps, バイト/秒

5.3.10.

Rate/ratio％, パーセント5.3.11.

Angle

90°, 90 度

5.3.12.

Memory capacity

ビット, バイト, Kb, KB, Mb, MB

5.3.13.

Currency円, 米ドル, ユーロ, ＄, USD

23

Bibliography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

7.
8.
9.

Gendai Kanazukai (contemporary kana usage), Cabinet Notification No. 1 of July 1, 1986.
http://www.bunka.go.jp/kokugo_nihongo/joho/kijun/naikaku/gendaikana/index.html
Jōyō Kanji Hyō (jōyō kanji table), Cabinet Notification No. 2 of November 30, 2010.
http://www.bunka.go.jp/kokugo_nihongo/joho/kijun/naikaku/pdf/joyokanjihyo_20101130.pdf
Okurigana no Tsukekata (okurigana rules), Cabinet Notification No. 2 of June 18, 1973.
http://www.bunka.go.jp/kokugo_nihongo/joho/kijun/naikaku/okurikana/index.html
Gairaigo no Hyōki (representing loan words), Cabinet Notification No. 2 of June 28, 1991.
http://www.bunka.go.jp/kokugo_nihongo/joho/kijun/naikaku/gairai/index.html
Gairaigo (Katakana) Hyōki Gaidorain (guidelines for representing loan words in katakana)published by the Japan Technical Communicators Association, Tokyo, 3rd Edition, 2015.
http://www.jtca.org/standardization/katakana_guide_3_20150929.pdf
Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) Z8202 (Weights and Units) and Z8203 (International System
of Units, or SI, and Their Uses).
http://www.jisc.go.jp/app/JPS/JPSO0020.html
Atarashii Nihongo-hyōki handobukku (a new handbook of Japanese writing), Sansei-do,
Tokyo, 6th edition, 2012.
Yōji Yōgo Shin-hyōki Jiten (dictionary of new script and word usage standards), Dai-ichi Hōki,
Tokyo, 4th edition, 2011.
Nihongo Sutairu Gaido (Japanese style guide) edited by the Japan Technical Communicators
Association.

7. Atarashii Nihongo-hyōki
handobukku (a new handbookof Japanese writing)

8. Yōji Yōgo Shin-hyōki Jiten(dictionary of new script andword usage standards)

24

9. Nihongo Sutairu Gaido(Japanese style guide)