Translation guide
A feeder is something that supplies or channels something to something else. This guide covers common ways to express this concept in Japanese, from physical devices to abstract roles.
I bought an automatic feeder.
Specifically a baby bottle. Used when 'feeder' refers to a bottle for feeding infants.
I fed the baby with a bottle.
A feed box or trough, often for livestock or pets. More rustic or farm-oriented.
I put feed in the chicken feeder.
A device or container for feeding wild birds.
Common term for a bird feeder, literally 'bird feeding stand'. Often used in gardens.
I put a bird feeder in the garden.
Katakana loanword from English 'bird feeder'. Common in product names and among bird-watching enthusiasts.
I put sunflower seeds in the bird feeder.
A machine or device that supplies material to a process or another machine.
General term for a supply device or feeder in industrial contexts. Can be used for various materials.
This machine has an automatic feeder.
Katakana loanword used in technical/engineering fields. Often part of compound terms like パーツフィーダー (parts feeder).
Specifically a feeding or conveying device, often for continuous material like wire or paper.
A person, organization, or thing that provides a steady supply of something (e.g., information, money, people).
Pattern meaning 'source of supply for ~'. Use with nouns like 情報 (information), 資金 (funds), 人材 (human resources).
This school is a feeder of excellent talent.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'something that supplies ~'. Flexible and clear.
Also used metaphorically in business/transport contexts, e.g., feeder bus, feeder school. Often part of compound words.
A power line that supplies electricity from a substation to a distribution network.
パーツフィーダーが故障した。
The parts feeder broke down.
The paper feeder is not working well.
The river is a feeder of water to the town.
フィーダー校から多くの生徒が入学する。
Many students enter from feeder schools.