Translation guide
The English word "cradle" has several distinct meanings: a baby's bed, the place of origin of something, a supporting frame, and the part of a telephone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
A small bed for a baby, often rocking.
The most common word for a rocking cradle. Literally 'rocking basket'.
赤ちゃんを揺りかごに寝かせた。
I laid the baby in the cradle.
A baby bed, often stationary. More like a crib.
ベビーベッドを組み立てた。
I assembled the baby bed.
Loanword from English, used for modern or specific cradle designs.
電動クレードルが欲しい。
I want an electric cradle.
The place where something began or was nurtured.
Literally 'place of origin'. Used for civilizations, movements, etc.
メソポタミアは文明の発祥の地だ。
Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization.
Literary expression meaning 'cradle land'. Often used in formal contexts.
この地域は近代医学の揺籃の地とされる。
This region is considered the cradle of modern medicine.
Metaphorical use of the baby bed word, but less common than the above phrases.
A framework that supports something, like a ship or a telephone receiver.
A stand or mount for holding something. Used for ships, machinery, etc.
船を架台に載せて修理する。
They repair the ship on a cradle.
A supporting base or cradle for objects.
電話の受け台に受話器を置いた。
I placed the receiver on the telephone cradle.
Loanword used for specific technical cradles, like for phones or tools.
The part of a telephone that holds the receiver.
Specifically the cradle of a telephone.
受話器を電話の受け台に戻した。
I put the receiver back on the cradle.
Technical term for the hook switch, often part of the cradle.
フックスイッチが壊れている。
The hook switch is broken.
While 揺りかご can be used metaphorically for 'place of origin', it is not used for supporting frames or telephone parts. Use the specific terms provided.
アフリカは人類の揺りかごだ。
Africa is the cradle of humankind.
スマホをクレードルにセットする。
Set the smartphone in the cradle.