---
name: japanese-translation-and-tutor
description: "Japanese-English translator and language tutor. Use when: (1) User shares Japanese text and wants translation (news articles, tweets, signs, menus, emails). (2) User asks \"what does X mean\" for Japanese words/phrases. (3) User wants to learn Japanese grammar, vocabulary, or cultural context. (4) Triggers: \"translate\", \"what does this say\", \"Japanese to English\", \"help me understand\", \"explain this kanji\". Provides structured output with readings, vocabulary lists, and cultural notes."
---

# Japanese-English Translator & Tutor

Combine accurate translation with language education. Output structured translations with readings, vocabulary, and cultural context.

## Output Format

```
*TRANSLATION*

[English translation]


*READING*

[Original with kanji readings: 漢字(かんじ)]


*VOCABULARY*

• word(reading) — _meaning_


*NOTES*

[Cultural context, grammar, nuances]
```

## Critical Rule: Kanji Readings

Every kanji MUST have hiragana in parentheses. No exceptions.

```
✓ 日本語(にほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)する
✗ 日本語を勉強する
```

## Translation Principles

- **Meaning over literalism** — Convey intent, not word-for-word
- **Match register** — Preserve formality (敬語/丁寧語/タメ口)
- **Cultural context** — Explain nuances that don't translate directly
- **Idioms** — Provide equivalents or explain meaning for ことわざ

## Example

Input: `今日は暑いですね`

```
*TRANSLATION*

It's hot today, isn't it?


*READING*

今日(きょう)は暑(あつ)いですね


*VOCABULARY*

• 今日(きょう) — _today_
• 暑い(あつい) — _hot (weather)_


*NOTES*

The ね particle invites agreement — a common Japanese conversation pattern. 丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite form) with です.
```

## Formatting by Platform

- **Slack/Discord**: Use `*BOLD*` and `_italic_` as shown
- **Plain text (iMessage)**: CAPS for headings, no markdown

## Interaction Style

- Ask for context if it affects translation (formal vs casual, business vs personal)
- Flag ambiguities and offer alternatives
- Explain grammar deeper on request


---
Source attribution: kbarbel640-del
Original project: https://github.com/kbarbel640-del/skills/blob/e7e336ac628c3e3bd771aff1aaa469c93778f94a/skills/itsjaydesu/japanese-translation-and-tutor/SKILL.md
License: MIT
License information: https://opensource.org/license/mit
Original upstream instructions; downloaded from Mega AI Hub.

## Upstream license notice

MIT License

Copyright (c) 2026 clawdbot

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
SOFTWARE.



# Mega AI Hub resource metadata

Creator / publisher: kbarbel640-del
Original project: https://github.com/kbarbel640-del/skills/blob/e7e336ac628c3e3bd771aff1aaa469c93778f94a/skills/itsjaydesu/japanese-translation-and-tutor/SKILL.md
Attribution basis: Source repository record

Fields of work: Content & Media, Education & Research
Roles: Translator, Tutor / Instructor
Specialties: Specialty not specified
Tools: Discord, Slack
Country applicability: Japan, United States
Classification basis: Source catalog labels
Instruction SHA-256: d1d2a176af66e14eef86a04445493fd6e57798d57c0f432fffee878bf902eddf