Translation guide
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes. In Japanese, the term is most commonly expressed as 工学 (こうがく) for the academic and professional field, but other words and phrases are used depending on context, such as 技術 (ぎじゅつ) for technology/technique, or 工作 (こうさく) for hands-on crafting.
Referring to engineering as a discipline, major, or profession.
The standard term for engineering as an academic field or profession. Used in university departments, job titles, and formal contexts.
彼は工学を専攻しています。
He is majoring in engineering.
工学部で学んでいます。
I'm studying at the engineering department.
Loanword from English, often used in business or IT contexts, or as part of compound terms like ソフトウェアエンジニアリング (software engineering).
この会社はエンジニアリングサービスを提供しています。
This company provides engineering services.
Referring to the practical, hands-on aspect of engineering, often overlapping with 'technology' or 'technique'.
Broad term for technology, technique, or engineering skill. Often used when emphasizing the practical or applied side.
日本の工学技術は世界でもトップクラスです。
Japanese engineering technology is top-class in the world.
彼は優れた技術を持っている。
He has excellent engineering skills.
Refers to hands-on crafting, construction, or manual engineering work, often in a hobby or educational context.
Referring to engineering in the sense of skillfully arranging or manipulating a situation, sometimes with a negative connotation.
Means scheming or maneuvering, often used in political or business contexts. Implies behind-the-scenes engineering of events.
彼は裏で画策している。
He is engineering things behind the scenes.
Literally 'to skillfully set up', used when someone engineers a plan or situation.
彼は巧みにその計画を仕組んだ。
He skillfully engineered the plan.
Referring specifically to the manipulation of genes.
The standard term for genetic engineering.
遺伝子工学は医療に革命をもたらした。
Genetic engineering has revolutionized medicine.
工学 is specifically the academic field. For practical skills or technology, 技術 is often more appropriate. For example, 'software engineering' is usually ソフトウェアエンジニアリング or ソフトウェア開発 (development), not ソフトウェア工学.
工学 (こうがく) is the science and theory of engineering; 技術 (ぎじゅつ) is the practical technique or technology. A person might study 工学 at university but apply 技術 at work.
その橋は工学の驚異です。
The bridge is a marvel of engineering.
子供の頃、工作が大好きでした。
As a child, I loved engineering/crafting things.