Translation guide
A capstan is a rotating machine part used to apply force to cables, ropes, or tape. In nautical contexts, it's a vertical winch for hauling anchors or mooring lines. In audio/video, it's the rotating shaft that drives tape in a recorder. The Japanese terms differ by context.
The learner wants to refer to the mechanical device on a ship used to haul in heavy ropes or anchor chains.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in nautical and technical contexts.
The sailors used the capstan to haul up the anchor.
A more technical Japanese term meaning 'anchor windlass', often used for larger or powered capstans.
This ship's capstan is electric-powered.
General term for 'winch', which can include capstans but is less specific. Often used for horizontal winches.
May not clearly distinguish a vertical capstan from other winches.
Wind the rope with the winch.
The learner is talking about the part in a tape recorder, VCR, or film projector that pulls the tape at a constant speed.
The learner wants a generic term for a rotating cylinder used to apply tension or pull cables, not necessarily on a ship.
The capstan is a drive shaft that feeds the tape at a constant speed.