How to say "process" in Japanese

• プロセスCommon
  nounCovers 'process' broadly, especially in technical, business, or scientific contexts, and also means a running process in computing. A safe choice for the general sense of a series of steps or stages.
  これらのプロセスのどれも意識いしきされていないということを強調きょうちょうすることがもっとも重要じゅうようである。↗

  It is most important to emphasize that none of these processes are conscious.
• 工程こうていCommon
  nounThe process as a series of work stages, especially in manufacturing or construction; each individual stage of the work is also called this. Think production workflow rather than abstract change.
  それをざっくりと各かく工程こうていに割り振わりふったものです。↗

  I just roughly allocated it to each function.
• 手順てじゅんJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounEmphasizes the order of steps in carrying out a task — a procedure or sequence to follow, as in instructions or manuals. Choose it when 'process' really means 'the steps, in order'.
  Windows XPにはＣＤを焼やく機能きのうがあるそうですが、その手順てじゅんを解説かいせつしているページを教おしえてください。↗

  I hear that you can burn CDs with Windows XP; could you tell me a website that explains the procedures involved?
• 過程かていJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounAn abstract process viewed as a course of change or development over time, such as learning or growth. Use it when 'process' means how something gradually unfolds.
  その過程かていを彼かれに説明せつめいした。↗

  I explained the process to him.
• 作用さようJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbReally means the action or operation of something — how a force or agent works and what effect it has. For 'process' in the usual senses this is seldom the word you want.
  日光にっこうは皮膚ひふに作用さようする。↗

  The sunbeam acts upon the skin.

Use 「プロセス」 for a process in general, 工程 for stages of work in manufacturing, 手順 for the order of steps in a task, 過程 for a course of change over time, and 作用 for the action or working of something.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• プロセスprocess
• 工程こうていprocess
• 手順てじゅんprocess
• 過程かていprocess
• 作用さようaction
• 手続きてつづきprocedure
• 方法ほうほうmethod
• 突起とっきprotuberance
• 処理過程しょりかていprocess
• 算程さんてい(computer) process
• 流れながれcourse (of events)
• 経路けいろprocess
• 道のりみちのりpath (e.g. to one's goal)
• さばくto deal with