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English-to-Japanese Translation Basic: List

Written by Jun | Oct 18, 2022 2:18:42 PM

The English noun リスト (list) in katakana is well-established, as in the shopping "list". However, many people find the verb リストする (list-suru / do list) unnatural.

To begin with, it is incorrect to translate the verb 'list' as リストする or リスト表示する (list-view-suru / do list view, also spelled out as 一覧表示する). The verb リストする is basically the equivalent of the Japanese English "list-up" and contains a screening nuance. The expression リスト表示する (or リスト表示にする) can be a correct Japanese if used in a meaning to switch from a single data record view to a list view. For example, in the context of switching from a detailed screen displaying only one customer to a tabular customer list.

The English verb 'list' is a word that simply enumerates items. Consider an input situation where unorganised information is being added to a list. In the days of paper-based tables were used to organise information, there might have been room for a verb such as リスト表示する. But just storing information in a database within a system is not a display. Japanese verbs used in the real world can be 挙げる (list), 含める (include, as a listed item), and 追加する (add, as a listed item). (So, there is no need to add the redundant katakana リスト to express it like リスト追加する.) However, リスト化する (make as a list) in the context of bundling individual data into a new list can be a natural expression even though katakana is included. Alternatively in commercial contexts such as merchandise or job postings, expressions like 掲載する (list, on the board or publishing) would be appropriate.

On the other hand, in a sentence where data output is returned, expressions such as 示される (indicated or shown) or 表示される (displayed, if accompanied by a screen display) would be used.

If you find any irregularities in the translation, consult your dictionary once again. In a general dictionary, you might not find a translation that can be used as it is. However, if you know the high-level breakdown of the word's meaning, it will save your time when selecting the most appropriate translation.