Translation guide
The English word 'gear' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: mechanical gear, equipment, and clothing. It also briefly covers the slang meaning of drugs.
A toothed wheel that transmits motion or power in a machine.
The standard word for a mechanical gear. Used in technical and everyday contexts.
This machine runs on gears.
Loanword from English, commonly used for gears in vehicles, bicycles, and machinery. Often used in compound words.
I change the gear on my bicycle.
The equipment, tools, or supplies needed for a particular activity.
General word for tools or equipment. Suitable for many contexts.
I brought my fishing gear.
Emphasizes equipment as a set or outfit, often for outdoor activities, military, or gaming.
Often used for sports or specific activity equipment. Slightly more formal than 道具.
Means 'a set' or 'complete set'. Used as a suffix to indicate a full kit of gear.
Clothing or an outfit, often for a specific purpose or style.
General word for clothes. Use with context to specify 'gear'.
I bought new running gear.
Loanword for specialized clothing, often used in compounds like スポーツウェア (sportswear).
Refers to costumes or special attire, such as for performances or cosplay.
Slang term for illegal drugs.
Slang for drugs. Very informal and potentially offensive. Use with caution.
This is a slang term and should only be used in very informal contexts. It can be considered crude.
I heard he's on gear.
道具 (どうぐ) is the most general term for tools or equipment. 装備 (そうび) emphasizes a set of equipment, often for outdoor or military use. 用具 (ようぐ) is commonly used for sports or specific activity equipment and sounds slightly more formal.
While ギア can mean mechanical gear, it is not commonly used for equipment or clothing. Use 道具, 装備, or 服 depending on the context.
I prepare my hiking gear.
I rented ski gear.
キャンプ道具一式を買った。
I bought a full set of camping gear.
I change into my yoga gear.
I prepare my stage gear.