Translation guide
The English word 'cable' can refer to a thick rope, an electrical wire, or a telecommunications line. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
cable (thick rope)
cable (electrical)
コード (cord) is also common for flexible cords.
A strong, thick rope made of wire or fiber, used for lifting, towing, or structural support.
The most common loanword for 'cable' in the sense of a thick wire rope or structural cable, such as on a suspension bridge or a crane.
The bridge's cables are very thick.
A thick rope, often made of natural or synthetic fibers. Less common than ケーブル for wire ropes.
An insulated wire or set of wires for transmitting electricity or signals, such as a power cable or USB cable.
A cable used for transmitting television, internet, or telephone signals.
A nautical unit of length equal to about 185 meters.
Used in nautical contexts as a unit of distance. Rarely encountered outside specialized fields.
ケーブル is the most versatile and can refer to thick ropes, electrical cables, and telecom cables. コード is typically used for flexible electrical cords like power cords or extension cords. 電線 specifically means electrical wire, often for power transmission lines, and is not used for consumer electronics cables.
I forgot my smartphone charging cable.
The crane lifted the heavy object with a wire rope.
They secured the ship to the shore with a thick rope.
The standard term for any electrical cable, including power cables, USB cables, and HDMI cables.
Please plug this cable into the outlet.
Often used for flexible cords, such as power cords or extension cords. Slightly more casual than ケーブル.
I bought an extension cord.
Refers to electrical wires in general, often used for overhead power lines or internal wiring. Not typically used for consumer electronics cables.
The power lines were cut by the typhoon.
Used for cable TV or internet cables. Often part of compound words like ケーブルテレビ (cable TV).
I subscribed to cable TV.
Specifically fiber optic cable, commonly used for high-speed internet.
The internet became faster with fiber optic cable.
The ship is anchored two cables from the shore.
This cord is too short.
Do not touch the power lines.