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.
The most common and general word for a magnetic compass. Used in everyday conversation and understood by all.
コンパスを持って山に行く。
I take a compass when I go to the mountains.
このコンパスは北を指している。
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.
方位磁石を使って方角を調べる。
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.
船の羅針盤が壊れた。
The ship's compass broke.
A V-shaped instrument for drawing circles or measuring distances on a map.
The standard word for a drawing compass. Used in school and office settings.
コンパスで円を描く。
Draw a circle with a compass.
製図用のコンパスを買った。
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.
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.
この問題は私の知識の範囲を超えている。
This problem is beyond the compass of my knowledge.
活動の範囲を広げる。
Expand the compass of activities.
Means 'area', 'domain', or 'field'. Often used for abstract boundaries like expertise or influence.
Literally 'range of fire', but used metaphorically to mean 'reach' or 'compass' in terms of influence or capability.
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.
じいちゃんはぶんまわしで丸を書いた。
Grandpa drew a circle with a compass.
それは私の専門領域ではない。
That is not within the compass of my expertise.
The compass of his influence is wide.