Translation guide
The English word 'installation' covers several distinct meanings: setting up equipment or software, a formal ceremony for someone taking office, a large-scale art exhibit, and a military facility. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
To express the act of putting in place and making ready for use, such as installing an app, a machine, or infrastructure.
The most common term for installing software or apps. A loanword from English, used as a suru-verb.
新しいアプリをインストールした。
I installed a new app.
Used for installing physical equipment, devices, or facilities. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
エアコンの設置には専門業者が必要だ。
Installing an air conditioner requires a professional.
Focuses on attaching or mounting something, like a shelf or a car part. Implies physical attachment.
カーテンレールの取り付け方を教えてください。
Please tell me how to install the curtain rail.
Used for introducing and implementing new systems, policies, or technologies in an organization.
新システムの導入は来月の予定です。
The installation of the new system is scheduled for next month.
Refers to installing large, heavy equipment or fixtures, like a bathtub or industrial machinery. Often implies permanent placement.
浴槽の据え付けが完了した。
The installation of the bathtub has been completed.
To refer to a formal event where a person is placed in a high office, such as a president or a bishop.
The standard term for an inauguration or installation ceremony for a public office.
大統領の就任式が行われた。
The president's installation ceremony was held.
Specifically for appointment ceremonies, often for judges or cabinet members.
新しい長官の任命式に出席した。
I attended the installation ceremony for the new director.
Used for religious or chivalric orders, such as the installation of a bishop or a knight. Rare in everyday contexts.
司教の叙任式が大聖堂で行われた。
The bishop's installation ceremony was held at the cathedral.
To describe a large-scale, often site-specific artwork designed to transform the perception of a space.
The standard loanword for contemporary art installations. Widely understood in art contexts.
この美術館では大規模なインスタレーションを展示している。
This museum is exhibiting a large-scale installation.
Explicitly says 'installation artwork', useful for clarity.
彼女のインスタレーション作品は空間全体を使っている。
Her installation artwork uses the entire space.
To refer to a military establishment, such as a base or camp.
The general term for a military base or installation.
その地域には米軍基地がある。
There is a US military installation in that area.
A broader term for 'facility', can be used for military installations when context is clear.
設置 (せっち) is the most general term for installing equipment or facilities. 取り付け (とりつけ) emphasizes attaching or mounting something to a surface. 据え付け (すえつけ) is used for heavy, permanent installations like machinery or bathtubs.
インストール is only for software or digital content. For physical devices, use 設置 or 取り付け.
エアコンをインストールする
(incorrect) to install an air conditioner
The military installation came under attack.