Translation guide
A cog is a tooth on a gear or a person/thing that is a small part of a larger system. This guide covers how to express these meanings in Japanese.
The physical tooth of a gear or cogwheel.
A person or thing that is a small, insignificant part of a larger organization or machine.
Directly translating 'cog' as コグ (kogu) is not standard Japanese. Use 歯 (は) for mechanical teeth and 歯車 (はぐるま) for the gear itself. For the metaphorical sense, 歯車の一つ is the natural expression.
A cog on the gear broke off.
The cogs on this gear are worn down.
He's just a cog in a large organization.
Literally 'small cog'. Emphasizes insignificance. Often used in self-deprecating or critical contexts.
I feel like I'm just a small cog in society.
Means 'member' or 'one of the group'. Less metaphorical, more neutral. Not specifically 'cog', but can be used in similar contexts.
He works as a cog in the team.