Translation guide
The English word "armature" has several distinct meanings across different fields. This guide focuses on the most common meanings an English-speaking learner might need to express in Japanese: the rotating part of an electric motor/generator, a protective covering in biology, and a framework in sculpture. The most frequent use is in electrical engineering.
The rotating coil or core in an electric motor or generator where voltage is induced.
Standard technical term for the armature of a motor or generator. Used in engineering contexts.
電機子巻線に電流が流れる。
Current flows through the armature winding.
Katakana loanword from English. Commonly understood in technical fields, but 電機子 is more standard in formal writing.
モーターのアーマチュアが故障した。
The motor's armature broke down.
A protective or defensive covering of an animal or plant, such as spines, shells, or plates.
General term for armor or protective covering, used for animals (e.g., armadillo armor). Can also mean vehicle armor.
アルマジロの装甲は硬い。
The armadillo's armor is hard.
Literally 'defensive spines'. Used when specifically referring to spines or thorns as armature.
この植物は防御用の棘を持っている。
This plant has defensive spines.
Exoskeleton. Used for arthropods, but can overlap with the concept of armature when referring to hard outer covering.
A metal framework used to support a sculpture during construction.
General term for framework or skeleton, used in sculpture, architecture, and other contexts.
彫刻の骨組みを針金で作る。
Make the sculpture's armature out of wire.
Loanword used in art contexts, especially for clay sculpture armatures. Less common than 骨組み.
The moving part of a magnetic circuit, such as in a relay or solenoid.
Literally 'movable iron core'. Used for the armature of relays, solenoids, etc.
リレーの可動鉄心が接点を閉じる。
The relay's armature closes the contact.
Also used in this context, but 可動鉄心 is more precise.
電磁石のアーマチュアが動く。
The electromagnet's armature moves.
The English word "armature" covers several distinct concepts. Do not assume a single Japanese word fits all contexts. Always consider the field (engineering, biology, art) before choosing a translation.
Both mean armature in electrical contexts. 電機子 is the native technical term and preferred in formal writing. アーマチュア is a loanword common in speech and informal technical settings.
昆虫の外骨格は体を守る。
The insect's exoskeleton protects its body.
An armature is necessary for clay sculpture.