Translation guide
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. In Japanese, the most common and general term is モーター, a loanword from English. More technical or formal contexts may use 電動機 or 電気モーター.
Referring to an electric motor in everyday contexts, such as in appliances, toys, or vehicles.
Used in engineering, technical documents, or formal specifications.
Referring to specific types of electric motors, such as DC motors, AC motors, servo motors, etc.
Direct current motor. Commonly used in small electronics and battery-powered devices.
A small DC motor is used in this toy.
Alternating current motor. Common in household appliances and industrial machinery.
Large AC motors are used in the factory.
モーター is the everyday word for any motor, including electric motors. 電動機 is strictly an electric motor and is used in technical or formal writing. In casual speech, モーター is almost always sufficient.
The motor is noisy.
Please show me the blueprint of the electric motor.
エンジン usually refers to an internal combustion engine (gasoline/diesel). Use モーター or 電動機 for electric motors. Calling an electric motor エンジン can cause confusion.
Explicitly says 'electric motor', useful when distinguishing from other types of motors (e.g., gasoline engine). Slightly more descriptive.
This machine runs on an electric motor.
I am researching control technology for electric motors.
Also used in technical contexts, but slightly less formal than 電動機. Often seen in product descriptions.
Measure the torque characteristics of the electric motor.
Servo motors are built into the robot arm.
Electric vehicles are equipped with motors, not engines.