Translation guide
The English word 'crank' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a mechanical part (a handle or lever), a person with strange ideas, and a few other uses. It does not cover every obscure Japanese word that might be glossed as 'crank'.
A device for converting rotary motion into reciprocating motion, or a handle that is turned to operate something.
The most common and direct translation for a mechanical crank, used in engineering, bicycles, and machinery. It is a loanword from English.
The bicycle crank broke.
We need to replace the engine's crankshaft.
Often used for a crank-like handle that you turn by hand, such as on a manual winch or an old car window. Note that ハンドル also means 'steering wheel' or 'handlebar'.
Turn the window crank to open it.
A more specific term for a rotating handle, used in technical contexts.
This machine is operated with a crank handle.
A person with strange, obsessive, or unconventional ideas, often about a particular topic.
A common word for an eccentric or odd person. It can be used for harmless cranks but may sound slightly negative.
He's a bit of a crank.
A more literary or formal term for an eccentric person, often with a nuance of genius or unusual talent.
Used for someone obsessed with a hobby or niche interest. It can translate 'crank' when the obsession is the focus, but it's not inherently negative.
Often translated as 'nerd' or 'geek', but can be used for a crank obsessed with a specific subculture. Can be derogatory.
A person who is easily annoyed or in a bad mood. (Often used in phrases like 'cranky'.)
Describes a person who is hard to please, grumpy, or touchy. It's a natural fit for a 'crank' in the sense of a grouchy person.
My grandfather is a crank; he gets angry easily.
Literally 'a person in a bad mood'. It can be used for someone who is being a crank at the moment.
He seems like a crank this morning.
Slang for methamphetamine.
The standard Japanese term for stimulant drugs, including methamphetamine. It is a legal/medical term but widely understood.
He was arrested for crank.
Slang for methamphetamine, similar in register to 'crank' or 'meth'. Use with caution; it's strongly associated with crime.
The adjective 'cranky' (irritable) is often translated as 不機嫌な (fukigen na) or 気難しい (kimuzukashii). The noun 'crank' for a person is less common in Japanese; it's usually better to describe the behavior.
He's very cranky today.
変人 (henjin) is a common, slightly negative word for an odd person. 奇人 (kijin) is more literary and can imply a genius-like eccentricity. Use 変人 for most everyday 'cranks'.
That crank is always talking to himself.
He's an inventor, but the neighbors treat him like a crank.
He's a train crank; he goes to the station every day off.
He's an anime crank; his room is full of figurines.
Don't do crank.