Translation guide
The English word 'automobile' is a formal term for a car. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 車 (kuruma), but there are several other words depending on formality and context.
The most common, everyday word for a car or automobile.
Specifically a passenger car, not a truck or commercial vehicle.
Literally 'passenger vehicle'. Used to distinguish regular cars from trucks, buses, etc.
A passenger car and a truck collided.
Used in very formal, legal, or industry contexts, similar to 'automobile' in English.
車 (kuruma) is the everyday word for 'car'. 自動車 (jidousha) is more formal and often used in compound words like 自動車保険 (automobile insurance) or 自動車学校 (driving school). In casual conversation, 車 is almost always preferred.
Using 自動車 in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal. Stick to 車 unless the context requires technical precision.
自動車保険に加入する。
To take out automobile insurance.
This road is for automobiles only.
四輪車の運転免許を取得する。
To obtain a driver's license for four-wheeled vehicles.