Translation guide
The English word "device" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical gadgets to rhetorical techniques. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
A piece of equipment or a machine designed for a specific purpose, especially electronic ones.
General term for equipment or apparatus, often used in technical contexts.
This device is easy to operate.
Refers to a device or apparatus, often larger or more complex, like a piece of machinery.
新しい安全装置が設置された。
A new safety device was installed.
Loanword from English, commonly used for electronic gadgets like smartphones, tablets, etc.
このデバイスは最新の技術を使っています。
This device uses the latest technology.
Often used for smaller tools or instruments, such as medical or kitchen devices.
医療器具を消毒してください。
Please sterilize the medical devices.
A plan, scheme, or trick used to accomplish a goal.
A means or way to achieve an end. Can be used for both positive and negative purposes.
彼は目的を達成するためには手段を選ばない。
He will use any device to achieve his goal.
A plan or policy, often used in formal or strategic contexts.
A contrivance or mechanism, sometimes implying a clever trick or setup.
A figure of speech or stylistic technique used in writing or speech.
Refers to rhetorical devices or techniques.
比喩はよく使われる修辞的技巧だ。
Metaphor is a commonly used rhetorical device.
Technique or method, often used in arts and literature.
この小説では多くの文学技法が使われている。
Many literary devices are used in this novel.
A bomb or similar weapon.
General term for explosive devices.
不審な爆発物が見つかった。
A suspicious device was found.
Can be used in compounds like 爆発装置 (explosive device).
A distinctive design used as a symbol, often on shields or flags.
A heraldic device or crest.
家系の紋章が旗に描かれている。
The family device is depicted on the flag.
When 'device' means a method or trick, translating it as デバイス or 機器 will sound unnatural. Use 手段 or 方策 instead.
それは単なる交渉の手段だ。
It's just a negotiating device.
機器 is a broad term for equipment, often electronic. 装置 implies a larger or more complex apparatus. デバイス is a loanword used mainly for modern electronic gadgets like smartphones.
問題解決のための方策を考えよう。
Let's think of a device to solve the problem.
This is a device to boost sales.
The police defused the explosive device.