Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'appliance' depends on the context. The most common general term is 家電 (kaden), which specifically refers to household electrical appliances. For non-electrical appliances or a broader sense, other words are used.
Refers to electrical devices used in the home, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves.
The standard term for household electrical appliances. It is an abbreviation of 家庭用電気製品 (かていようでんきせいひん).
新しい家電を買いました。
I bought a new appliance.
この店は家電が安いです。
This store has cheap appliances.
The full formal term for household electrical appliances. Used in official contexts or product descriptions.
家庭用電気製品の安全基準が強化されました。
Safety standards for household electrical appliances have been strengthened.
A broader sense of 'appliance' that includes non-electrical devices, tools, or equipment, often used in technical or medical contexts.
Refers to utensils, instruments, or apparatus. Often used for non-electrical devices like medical or laboratory equipment.
医療器具を消毒してください。
Please sterilize the medical appliances.
この器具は実験に使います。
This appliance is used for experiments.
Means 'device' or 'apparatus', often for larger or more complex equipment. Can be used for both electrical and mechanical appliances.
Refers to machinery or equipment, often in industrial or technical settings. Less common for everyday household items.
Specifically refers to electrical appliances used in the kitchen, such as rice cookers, toasters, and blenders.
A common term for kitchen electrical appliances. Combines 調理 (cooking) and 家電 (household electrical appliance).
調理家電コーナーはどこですか？
Where is the kitchen appliance section?
A more casual term using the English loanword 'kitchen'. Common in advertising and everyday speech.
キッチン家電のセールをやっています。
They're having a sale on kitchen appliances.
Refers to small, often portable electrical appliances like hair dryers, electric kettles, or irons.
Literally 'small-sized household electrical appliance'. Used for compact devices.
小型家電は持ち運びに便利です。
Small appliances are convenient to carry.
The English loanword アプライアンス is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. Stick to the native terms above.
アプライアンスを買いたいです。
I want to buy an appliance. (Unnatural)
家電 is specifically for electrical household items. 器具 is broader and includes non-electrical tools and instruments. Use 家電 for things like refrigerators and TVs; use 器具 for medical or laboratory equipment.
新しい調理家電を買う必要があります。
I need to buy some new kitchen appliances.
この家電は電気をたくさん使います。
This appliance uses a lot of electricity.
その病院には最新の医療器具があります。
The hospital has modern medical appliances.
A slightly more formal or explicit version of 家電, often used in written materials.
家電製品のリサイクルにご協力ください。
Please cooperate in recycling home appliances.
This appliance operates automatically.
New communication appliances were introduced.