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.
automatic transmission
Most common term in everyday Japanese.
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.
Is this car an automatic?
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.
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.
Automatics are easier to drive.
The native Japanese technical term. Rarely used in everyday conversation; mainly found in manuals or formal documents.
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).
I can only drive automatics.
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.
Referring to the fluid used in automatic transmissions.
The standard term for automatic transmission fluid. Combines AT with the loanword 'fluid'.
Please change the automatic transmission fluid.
The full technical term. Used in manuals or by specialists.
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.
オートマ車をレンタルしたいです。
I'd like to rent an automatic car.