Translation guide
The English word 'equipment' covers a wide range of tools, devices, and gear. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what kind of equipment you mean. This guide helps you choose the right word for everyday items, specialized gear, sports equipment, and more.
You want to refer to equipment in a broad sense—tools, devices, or gear used for a particular purpose.
A general term for equipment, devices, and apparatus, often used in technical or office contexts. It refers to machines and instruments collectively.
We introduced new equipment.
The medical equipment needs maintenance.
Refers to a device, apparatus, or installation, often larger or more complex. Common in scientific, industrial, or mechanical contexts.
Refers to fixtures, fittings, or supplies—items that are part of a facility or office. Often used for non-mechanical items like furniture, tools, or stationery.
Means 'tool' or 'implement'. Can be used for equipment in a hands-on, practical sense, but is less formal and more like 'gear' or 'kit'.
You're talking about equipment used for sports or outdoor activities.
The standard term for sports equipment or gear. Used for items like balls, rackets, protective gear, etc.
You're referring to equipment like TVs, speakers, cameras, or computers.
Again, 機器 is the go-to term for electronic devices and apparatus. Often combined with a prefix like 音響機器 (audio equipment) or 映像機器 (video equipment).
You mean large machines used in construction, farming, or industry.
Short for 重機械, meaning heavy machinery. Used for bulldozers, cranes, excavators, etc.
You're talking about weapons, gear, and supplies used by armed forces.
The standard term for military equipment, including weapons, uniforms, and gear. Also used as a verb 'to equip'.
You want to refer to a collection of items needed for a specific task or activity, like a first-aid kit or tool kit.
We need to buy new office equipment.
This equipment operates automatically.
We assembled the experimental equipment.
I ordered office equipment.
Check the school equipment.
キャンプ道具を車に積んだ。
We loaded the camping equipment into the car.
I'm going to buy sports equipment.
I rented ski equipment.
Means 'equipment' in the sense of gear or outfit, often for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, or military use. Implies a set of items you carry or wear.
Prepare the climbing equipment.
I checked the camping equipment.
Loanword from English 'gear', used in casual or trendy contexts for sports or outdoor gear. Often seen in marketing.
I bought new running gear.
音響機器を設置した。
We installed audio equipment.
This room has the latest video equipment.
Refers to equipment, especially machinery or hardware. Common in music, broadcasting, and IT. Slightly more concrete than 機器.
We carried the studio equipment.
Prepare the filming equipment.
Heavy equipment was brought to the construction site.
Literally 'construction machinery'. A formal term for construction equipment.
I'm looking for a construction equipment rental company.
The soldiers received new equipment.
Specifically means 'weapons' or 'arms'. Use when equipment refers to weaponry.
Introduce the latest military equipment.
Means 'a set' or 'complete set'. Often used as a suffix: ～一式. Very natural for kits.
I bought a first-aid kit (equipment set).
I brought my fishing equipment (the whole set).
Loanword meaning 'set' or 'kit'. Very common for packaged equipment.
This tool set (equipment) is handy.
air conditioning equipment (system)
audio equipment (hardware)
The direct loanword イクイップメント is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
The gym has a lot of exercise equipment.
器具 (kigu) is also used for fitness equipment.
Please check the safety equipment before starting.