通訳

• Reading: つうやく
• Romaji: tsuuyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 通 (tsuu/tooru) — pass through, communicate; 訳 (yaku/wake) — translate, reason
• Pronunciation: /tsɯː.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

Interpretation; interpreter. The act of orally translating between languages, or a person who does so.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (通訳する, to interpret). Refers specifically to oral translation, as opposed to 翻訳 (hon'yaku, written translation). Common phrases: 通訳を頼む (to request an interpreter), 同時通訳 (simultaneous interpretation). Used in both professional and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 会議で英語の通訳をした。 I interpreted English at the meeting.
2. 友達が外国人の患者さんの通訳を頼まれた。 My friend was asked to interpret for a foreign patient.
3. 将来は通訳になりたいと思っている。 I want to become an interpreter in the future.

Usage Guide

Context: business, travel, international communication

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 通 (tsuu, to pass through/communicate) and 訳 (yaku, to translate/interpret). Together, 'communicating through translation' — bridging language barriers orally.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal