Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'controller' in Japanese, covering devices, people, and abstract concepts.
A handheld device used to operate a machine, game console, or electronic equipment.
The most common and direct loanword for a game controller or remote control device. Widely understood.
I bought a controller for the new game.
Short for 'remote control'. Used for TV, air conditioner, and other home appliance remotes. Not typically used for game controllers.
I can't find the air conditioner remote.
A control panel or console, often for industrial machinery or complex equipment. More technical.
The factory control panel is complex.
A person who controls or directs an organization, department, or activity.
General term for a person who manages or administers something. Suitable for IT systems, facilities, or general management.
Please contact the system controller.
A person in charge or responsible for something. Implies accountability rather than direct operational control.
Something that regulates or governs a process, system, or behavior.
A control device or mechanism, often used in engineering and technical contexts.
The temperature controller broke down.
An adjuster or regulator, often for physical quantities like flow, pressure, or volume.
The abstract concept of control, often used in phrases like 'quality control' or 'birth control'. Not a physical device.
Use コントローラー for game controllers and some specialized devices. Use リモコン for TV, air conditioner, and other home appliance remotes. リモコン is never used for game controllers.
game controller
TV remote
When referring to a person who controls something, avoid directly translating 'controller' as 制御者 or 支配者, as these can sound unnatural or overly authoritarian. Use 管理者 or 責任者 instead.
プロジェクトの責任者は田中さんです。
The project controller is Mr. Tanaka.
Used in business contexts for a financial controller or comptroller. A specific job title.
He works as the company's controller.
音量調節器を回してください。
Please turn the volume controller.
Quality control is important.