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I'm an iOS app developer who's learning Japanese. I want to localize my app to
Japanese (make a Japanese version of it, basically). For context, my app falls
into the "Utilities" category on the app store.

In the user interface of my app, suppose there is a button that says "Save". I
want to replace the "Save" text with a Japanese translation. I thought of
three ways to do this:

  1. 保存
  2. 保存する
  3. 保存します

I'm wondering which one of those I should use. The first one is not a verb
since it doesn't have the する at the end. So I guess it doesn't really imply
that the button does a "save" action? Does this sound like, in English, when
there is a button that applies some settings, instead of "Apply", it says
"Application"? I think this is not appropriate, is it?

The second one sounds fine, but is it ok to use the plain form here? Is it too
informal to be in a Utility app? Should I use the third instead?

I have seen other apps use the first and second form, like 完了 (the "Done"
button) and 投稿する (I saw this in the Facebook app's "post" button). But since
Facebook is a Social app, I guess it is ok to use the plain form because it
sounds like Facebook is treating you like a close friend.

Which one should I use and why?
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translation verbs formality
Should I use the formal form (~ます) on the buttons of an app?
I'm actually a developer working for a Japanese programming company.  
It might depend on some people, but as far as buttons go.

> 「保存」、「登録」、「完了」、「キャンセル」

etc. seems like the way to go. Of course your will probably need a
confirmation box in which you will usually write in the ます form.

> 「削除します。よろしいですか？」

It might be more common to write a verb on the button for less obvious/common
actions like 「投稿する」

Also, I would probably not use the ます form on a button. If you feel like you
have to, する probably seems more natural. It doesn't feel like you have to be
polite with a button, it feels like the text on a button is what the client
say to you, and not what you say to the client, if that makes any sense.
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(I have Programming experience) You should _**not**_ use 保存します.

* * *

## Because

In general, Using 保存 or 保存する in Japan. For example, Look at the picture. This
is a Twitter(Android)'s window.

[![Screen
shot](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9Mwwm.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/9Mwwm.jpg)

It is written 保存. ...and Look at next Picture.

[![Screen
Shot](https://i.stack.imgur.com/F0gLb.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/F0gLb.jpg)

This is a Chrome(This is also android version)'s window. It is written
(something)を保存.
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Please check Microsoft's [Japanese Style
Guide](http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/3/4/b34f7185-afca-4846-8fbf-672a1b9afce2/jpn-
jpn-StyleGuide.pdf) (for UI), in particular the Style section on Page 46.

> **Style**
>
> Use Desu-masu (ですます調, polite style), Dearu (である調, plain style) and noun
> phrase (体言止め) appropriately.
>
> When to use Desu-masu: In general, sentences should be translated in Desu-
> masu unless otherwise instructed. When the sentence prompts users to take an
> action, use “...してください。”. Example: Explanatory texts in windows, dialog
> boxes, message boxes and status bar (in software); Explanatory text except
> for headings (in document)
>
> When to use Dearu: When sentences should be briefly and simply translated,
> use Dearu. Noun phrase can be used depending on the situation (lack of
> space, etc.). Make sure to keep consistency on levels. Example: Check box,
> Option button (in software); Explanatory texts used as headings (in
> document)
>
> When to use noun phrase: When sentences should be briefly and simply
> translated, use noun phrase. Dearu and appropriate postpositional particles
> can be used depending on the situation. Make sure to keep consistency on
> levels. Example: Titles of menus and boxes, menu commands, labels in dialog
> boxes, command buttons, tabs, list items in list boxes or combo boxes (in
> software); Titles of web pages, headings, call-outs, captions (in documents)
> When using noun phrase, make sure to keep the expression simple and clear.
>
> Example:
>
> Show changes  
>  (+) 変更箇所の表示  
>  (-) 変更箇所を表示
>
> Open an item  
>  (+) アイテムを開く  
>  (-) アイテムの開き Note: Use Dearu instead for clarity

Somewhat related: [Why do road signs have 止まれ, not 止まる, 止める or
止めて?](https://japanese.stackexchange.com/q/13019/3295)

**Edit** : you can also look up translations of various terms in different
contexts on the [Microsoft's Language
Portal](https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-US/Search.aspx), e.g:

[https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-us/Search.aspx?sString=save&langID=ja-
jp](https://www.microsoft.com/Language/en-
us/Search.aspx?sString=save&langID=ja-jp)
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