Translation guide
The English word 'calculator' most commonly refers to an electronic device or app for arithmetic. In Japanese, the standard word is 電卓 (dentaku). For software or apps, 計算機 (keisanki) or 電卓アプリ (dentaku apuri) are used. The broader term 計算機 can also refer to mechanical calculators or computers in technical contexts.
A small electronic device or smartphone app used for basic arithmetic calculations.
The most common and natural word for a pocket calculator or desk calculator. Used in everyday conversation.
電卓を貸してもらえますか？
Can I borrow your calculator?
この電卓は電池切れだ。
This calculator is out of batteries.
Specifically refers to a calculator app on a smartphone or computer.
スマホの電卓アプリを使って計算した。
I used the calculator app on my smartphone to do the calculation.
A broader term that can mean any calculating machine, including electronic calculators, but may sound slightly formal or technical. Often used in compound words or official contexts.
関数計算機を使うと複雑な計算が簡単にできる。
Using a scientific calculator makes complex calculations easy.
A mechanical device for performing calculations, such as an abacus or a vintage adding machine.
Used for mechanical calculators, including historical devices. Also the generic term for 'computer' in some contexts.
昔の計算機は歯車で動いていた。
Old calculators were powered by gears.
The Japanese abacus, still used in some schools and businesses. Not an electronic device, but a traditional calculating tool.
A person whose job is to perform calculations, like a human computer.
Historical term for a person employed to do calculations, especially before electronic computers. Rarely used today.
その時代、計算手は重要な職業だった。
In that era, a calculator (human computer) was an important profession.
電卓 (dentaku) is the everyday word for a pocket or desk calculator. 計算機 (keisanki) is broader and can refer to any computing machine, including computers. In casual speech, 電卓 is preferred for the small electronic device. 計算機 is used in formal or technical contexts, or when referring to mechanical calculators.
When referring to a calculator app on a smartphone, it's common to say 電卓アプリ (dentaku apuri) or simply 電卓. You can also say 計算機アプリ (keisanki apuri), but 電卓アプリ is more natural.
彼は算盤で暗算より早く計算できる。
He can calculate faster with an abacus than mentally.