Translation guide
The English word 'compass' can refer to a navigational instrument, a drawing tool, or a metaphorical sense of scope or range. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A device that shows direction, especially magnetic north.
A V-shaped instrument for drawing circles or measuring distances on a map.
The limits or boundaries of an area, subject, or activity.
Means 'range' or 'scope'. Used in phrases like 'within the compass of' to indicate limits.
The English word 'compass' can be part of 'compassion', but that is a completely different word in Japanese (同情, どうじょう). Do not use コンパス for that meaning.
I take a compass when I go to the mountains.
This compass is pointing north.
Literally 'direction magnet'. A more technical or formal term for a magnetic compass. Often used in science or educational contexts.
Use a compass to check the direction.
Refers to a ship's compass or a traditional Chinese-style compass. Often used in historical or nautical contexts.
The ship's compass broke.
Draw a circle with a compass.
I bought a drafting compass.
A colloquial or dialectal term for a compass, sometimes used by older generations or in specific regions. Not common in standard Japanese.
Grandpa drew a circle with a compass.
This problem is beyond the compass of my knowledge.
Expand the compass of activities.
Means 'area', 'domain', or 'field'. Often used for abstract boundaries like expertise or influence.
That is not within the compass of my expertise.
Literally 'range of fire', but used metaphorically to mean 'reach' or 'compass' in terms of influence or capability.
The compass of his influence is wide.