Translation guide
The hard outer covering that supports and protects the body of certain animals, such as insects, crustaceans, and some other invertebrates.
The rigid external covering found on arthropods, mollusks, etc.
The standard biological term for exoskeleton, used in scientific and educational contexts.
General word for shell or hard outer covering, often used for mollusks, crustaceans, and eggs. Less technical than 外骨格.
Refers specifically to the carapace or shell of crustaceans and turtles. Often used in compound words like 甲殻類 (crustaceans).
A rigid external structure used by humans, such as in robotics, armor, or powered suits.
外骨格 is the precise biological term, while 殻 is a more everyday word for shell. Use 外骨格 in academic or technical discussions; 殻 is fine for casual talk about crabs, insects, or eggs.
生物学では「外骨格」と言うが、日常では「殻」で通じる。
In biology we say 'exoskeleton', but in daily life 'shell' works.
昆虫は外骨格を持っている。
Insects have an exoskeleton.
A crab's shell is hard.
甲殻類は海に多く生息する。
Crustaceans inhabit the sea in large numbers.
Also used for mechanical exoskeletons in engineering and science fiction.
パワードスーツは人間の外骨格として機能する。
A powered suit functions as a human exoskeleton.
Common term for powered exoskeleton suits in sci-fi and gaming.
彼はパワードスーツを着て戦った。
He fought wearing a powered suit.
Literally 'reinforced exoskeleton', used in mecha and military contexts.
そのロボットは強化外骨格で覆われている。
The robot is covered with a reinforced exoskeleton.