Translation guide
The English word "conductor" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the person who directs an orchestra, the person who collects fares on a bus or train, and the material that allows electricity or heat to flow.
The person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs the performance.
The standard term for an orchestra or choir conductor. It literally means 'one who directs/commands'.
He is a famous conductor.
The conductor skillfully led the orchestra.
Borrowed from Italian, used as an honorific title for a respected conductor, especially in classical music contexts.
Maestro, that was a wonderful performance.
The person on a bus or train who checks tickets, collects fares, and assists passengers.
The standard term for a conductor on a train or bus. Historically common, but now many trains have only a driver (ワンマン運転).
The conductor is checking tickets.
The bus conductor guided the passengers.
Sometimes used for attendants on luxury trains or buses, but less common than 車掌.
A material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily.
The general term for a conductor of electricity or heat. Often used in compound words like 半導体 (semiconductor).
Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
A slightly more formal or technical term for a conductor, emphasizing transmission. Often used in physics.
These three words are completely different in Japanese and are not interchangeable. Use 指揮者 for music, 車掌 for transportation, and 導体 for physics. Using the wrong one will cause confusion.
He wants to be a conductor (of an orchestra).
He wants to be a conductor (on a train).
The loanword コンダクター is sometimes used in technical contexts (e.g., lightning conductor) but is not natural for orchestra or bus conductors. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
The sleeper train attendant served drinks.
This metal is used as a conductor of heat.
Silver is one of the best electrical conductors.