バックアップ

• Reading: バックアップ
• Romaji: bakkuappu
• Pronunciation: /ba.k.ku.a.p.pu/

Meaning

Backup — saving copies of your data so you don't lose it.

バックアップ is a direct loanword from English 'backup' and is used in exactly the same way — referring to duplicate copies of data saved to an external drive, cloud service, or another device to prevent loss. Common phrases include バックアップを取る (to take a backup) and バックアップしておく (to save a backup in advance). In Japan, popular cloud backup options include iCloud, Google Drive, and Google フォト. The word is also used metaphorically for support or backing in business contexts.

Examples

1. 定期的にバックアップを取っておかないと後悔するよ。 If you don't back up regularly, you'll end up regretting it.
2. 機種変する前にバックアップちゃんと取った？ Did you make sure to back up before switching phones?
3. クラウドにバックアップしてあったからデータが消えても大丈夫だった。 I had everything backed up to the cloud, so even though my data got wiped, I was fine.

Usage Guide

Context: tech, everyday conversation, social media, device management

Tone: practical, advisory

Do Say

• スマホ変える前に必ずバックアップを取っておいて。 (Always take a backup before switching phones.)
• バックアップさえしてあれば怖くない。 (As long as you have a backup, you've got nothing to fear.)

Don't Say

• 「バックアップを取る」が自然 — 「バックアップをする」でも通じるが少し不自然に聞こえることがある (「バックアップを取る」 is the natural phrasing — 「バックアップをする」 is understood but can sound slightly unnatural)

Common Mistakes

• Saying バックアップをする instead of the more natural バックアップを取る
• Assuming a single backup location is enough — best practice is two copies in different locations

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'backup.' The term entered Japanese computing vocabulary in the 1980s–1990s and has remained the standard word for data backup ever since. Its everyday use expanded with the smartphone era as users began managing significant personal data on their devices.

Cultural Context

Era: 1980s onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. One of the most universally known tech terms, given out constantly as advice after any data loss incident.