Translation guide
A type of vehicle transmission that shifts gears automatically. In Japanese, the most common term is the abbreviation AT (エーティー), but full terms and related expressions exist.
Referring to the automatic transmission as a component or feature of a vehicle.
The most common and natural way to say 'automatic transmission' in everyday Japanese. Stands for 'Automatic Transmission' and is pronounced as the letters A and T.
この車はATですか？
Is this car an automatic?
AT車を探しています。
I'm looking for an automatic car.
The full English loanword. Used in technical contexts or when clarity is needed, but can sound overly formal in casual conversation.
オートマチックトランスミッションの仕組みを説明してください。
Please explain how an automatic transmission works.
A common abbreviation of the full loanword. Often used in casual speech, but 'AT' is even more common.
オートマチックの方が運転しやすい。
Automatics are easier to drive.
The native Japanese technical term. Rarely used in everyday conversation; mainly found in manuals or formal documents.
自動変速機の点検が必要です。
The automatic transmission needs inspection.
Saying that a car has an automatic transmission, often when contrasting with manual.
The standard way to say 'automatic car'. Combines AT with 車 (car).
AT車しか運転できません。
I can only drive automatics.
AT車とMT車、どちらが好きですか？
Which do you prefer, automatic or manual?
Another way to say 'automatic car', using the abbreviation オートマ. Slightly less common than AT車.
オートマ車をレンタルしたいです。
I'd like to rent an automatic car.
Referring to the fluid used in automatic transmissions.
The standard term for automatic transmission fluid. Combines AT with the loanword 'fluid'.
ATフルードを交換してください。
Please change the automatic transmission fluid.
The full technical term. Used in manuals or by specialists.
オートマチックトランスミッションフルードの量を確認する。
Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
In Japanese, abbreviations like AT (automatic transmission) and MT (manual transmission) are far more common than the full terms. Using the full loanword can sound stiff or overly formal in casual settings.
Both mean 'automatic', but AT is more standard and widely understood. オートマ is a bit more casual and may be used by older generations or in certain regions.