Translation guide
The English word "damper" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: a device that controls airflow in a fireplace or furnace, a device that reduces vibration or noise, and a person or thing that depresses spirits. Less common meanings like a type of bread or a piano part are omitted.
A movable plate in a chimney, furnace, or duct that regulates airflow.
The most direct translation, a loanword from English. Used in technical and everyday contexts for fireplace dampers, HVAC dampers, etc.
Please open the fireplace damper.
A more technical term for an air valve or damper in ducts and ventilation systems.
Adjust the damper in the air conditioning system.
Literally 'air valve', sometimes used for dampers in specific engineering contexts.
This air damper opens and closes automatically.
A device that reduces mechanical vibration or noise, such as in a piano or vehicle suspension.
Again, the loanword is standard. Used for shock absorbers, vibration dampers, etc.
The car's damper is broken.
A more formal term for shock absorber or damper, often used in engineering.
Literally 'vibration control device', used for large-scale dampers in buildings or machinery.
A person, thing, or event that makes people feel less happy, enthusiastic, or active.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to throw cold water on' or 'to dampen spirits'. Used when someone spoils a mood or plan.
His one remark put a damper on the atmosphere.
A literary phrase meaning 'to spoil the fun' or 'to dampen enthusiasm'.
The rain put a damper on the picnic.
Causative form of 'shirakeru' (to be spoiled/dampened). Means 'to make something lose its excitement'.
Means 'to dampen one's spirits' or 'to discourage'. Often used when someone's enthusiasm is curbed.
Do not use ダンパー to mean a person or thing that depresses spirits. It sounds unnatural. Use idiomatic phrases like 水を差す instead.
He is a damper. (unnatural)
緩衝器の性能を試験する。
Test the performance of the damper.
A damper is installed in the skyscraper.
His joke put a damper on the party.
The failure put a damper on his enthusiasm.