Translation guide
The English word 'automaton' refers to a self-operating machine or a mechanical figure that mimics a living being. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through several terms depending on whether you mean a historical mechanical doll, a modern robot, or a theoretical self-operating machine.
A mechanical device made to resemble a human or animal and perform actions, often from historical contexts.
The most common and natural term for a traditional Japanese mechanical doll or automaton. 'Karakuri' refers to mechanical devices, and 'ningyō' means doll.
Edo-period automata could carry tea.
A direct loanword from English, used in artistic or historical contexts to refer to Western-style automata. Less common than 'karakuri ningyō' for Japanese items.
The museum exhibits 18th-century automata.
Literally 'automatic doll', this term is less common and may be used in technical descriptions or translations. 'Karakuri ningyō' is preferred in cultural contexts.
The mechanism of the automaton is very intricate.
A machine that operates by itself, often used in theoretical or computer science contexts.
The standard loanword for 'automaton' in mathematics, computer science, and theoretical contexts (e.g., finite automaton). Widely understood in technical fields.
Finite automata are fundamental to computation theory.
A general term meaning 'automatic machine'. It can be used for any self-operating device but is less specific than 'ōtomaton' in academic contexts.
Means 'automatic device' or 'automated apparatus'. It can refer to an automaton in a broad sense but is more commonly used for industrial or mechanical systems.
A machine resembling a human and capable of autonomous movement, often in science fiction.
The most common word for any robot or mechanical humanoid. While not a direct translation of 'automaton', it is often the best choice when referring to modern or futuristic self-operating humanoid machines.
The robot walks like a human.
Loanword for 'android', specifically a robot with human appearance. Use when the automaton is distinctly human-like.
Use からくり人形 for traditional Japanese mechanical dolls, especially from the Edo period. オートマタ is for Western historical automata, often in museum contexts. ロボット is the everyday word for modern robots and is safe for most sci-fi or tech contexts.
Karakuri dolls are a traditional Japanese craft.
Automata were popular in Europe.
The latest robots are very smart.
The English word 'automaton' is not commonly used in everyday Japanese. Using オートマトン outside of computer science or mathematics may sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate term based on context: からくり人形 for historical dolls, ロボット for modern machines, or オートマトン for theoretical concepts.
The automaton played a tune on the flute.
Cellular automata are used in simulations.
In this factory, automatic machines do the assembly.
The automatic device operates without human intervention.
Literally 'artificial human', used for androids or humanoid robots in science fiction. It carries a nuance of being created in a lab, similar to an automaton.
In that movie, the automaton begins to have emotions.
She couldn't tell the difference between the android and a human.