Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Report" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "report", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
レポート
レポート (repōto)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
報告
ほうこく (houkoku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "report" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between レポート and 報告.
In Japanese, レポート (レポート (repōto)) is typically associated with "report" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Katakana word from English. Commonly used in school or work contexts. Often used with 「レポートを書く.
On the other hand, 報告 (ほうこく (houkoku)) maps to "report, to report" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Noun, often used with する. A literal translation of "report" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "レポート"
レポートを書かなければなりません。
I have to write a report.
Bilingual Context for "報告"
会議の結果を報告します。
I will report the results of the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ を書かなければなりません。" (Meaning: "I have to write a report.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "レポート" fits here because it means "report" in the context of: "I have to write a report.". "報告" represents "report, to report".