Translation guide
The concept of making processes operate automatically, often through technology or systems. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, verbs, and compound terms depending on context.
Referring to the act or result of making something automatic, especially in industrial or technological contexts.
The most common and direct translation for 'automation'. Used for processes, factories, tasks, etc.
工場の自動化が進んでいる。
Factory automation is advancing.
この作業の自動化を検討しています。
We are considering automation of this task.
Loanword from English, often used in technical or business contexts. Slightly more formal or technical feel than 自動化.
オートメーション技術の導入により生産性が向上した。
Productivity improved due to the introduction of automation technology.
Means 'automatic'. Often used as a prefix in compound words (自動ドア, 自動販売機). Can be used as a noun meaning 'automatic operation'.
この機械は自動で動きます。
This machine operates automatically.
Automation of tasks using scripts, macros, or software tools.
Same as general automation, but commonly used in IT contexts.
テストの自動化は開発効率を上げる。
Test automation improves development efficiency.
Specifically 'automatic processing', often used for data or batch jobs.
データの自動処理を設定する。
Set up automatic data processing.
Automation of household functions like lighting, heating, or appliances.
Standard term for home automation.
ホームオートメーションで照明を自動制御する。
Control lighting automatically with home automation.
Often used interchangeably with home automation, though technically refers to the connected home concept.
スマートホーム化が進んでいる。
Smart home adoption is advancing.
Automation of office tasks, historically associated with computers and software.
Often abbreviated as OA (オーエー). Common in business contexts.
OA機器の導入で業務が効率化された。
Office automation equipment streamlined operations.
Abbreviation for office automation, widely recognized in Japan.
OA化を推進する。
Promote office automation.
自動化 (じどうか) is the native Japanese term and is more common in everyday and general business contexts. オートメーション is a loanword often used in technical or industrial engineering fields. They are largely interchangeable, but 自動化 feels slightly more accessible.
業務の自動化
business process automation
工場のオートメーション
factory automation