Translation guide
The English word 'driver' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a person who drives a vehicle, a device driver in computing, a golf club, and a metaphorical driver as a motivating force.
Referring to someone operating a car, bus, truck, etc.
Most common word for a professional driver (taxi, bus, truck) or someone driving a vehicle. Can also be used for non-professionals in context.
I told the taxi driver the way.
He is a bus driver.
Loanword from English, often used for a driver in general, or in contexts like 'designated driver'. Can also refer to a golf club or screwdriver, so context matters.
I'm the driver tonight.
Formal or legal term for a driver, often used in official documents or traffic regulations.
The driver must wear a seatbelt.
Software that controls a hardware device.
The wood club used for long-distance shots.
Standard term in golf. Same as the loanword for a person, but context distinguishes it.
I bought a new driver.
Something that drives or pushes a process, change, or action.
Means 'driving force' or 'motive power'. Used for both literal engines and metaphorical forces.
Curiosity is the driver of his research.
Propulsive force; often used for projects or initiatives.
Factor or cause; often used in analysis. Less forceful than 原動力.
While ドライバー is understood, using 運転手 is more natural for professional drivers. For casual 'I'm driving', use verb phrases like 運転する (I'll drive) instead of a noun.
運転手 is the standard word for a professional driver (taxi, bus, etc.). ドライバー is a loanword often used in compound terms (e.g., ドライバーズライセンス) or for non-professional contexts like 'designated driver'. In golf and computing, ドライバー/ドライバ is the only choice.
I updated to the latest driver.
Full term 'device driver', used when clarity is needed.
The device driver is not working properly.
He hit the ball 300 yards with his driver.
The driver of economic growth is technological innovation.
Her leadership became the driver of the project.
成功の主な要因はチームワークだ。
The main driver of success is teamwork.