Translation guide
An intercommunication system (intercom) is a device or network for internal communication, commonly used in buildings, vehicles, or between rooms. In Japanese, the most common term is インターホン (intercom), but other terms exist for specific contexts like telephone-based systems or wireless units.
The most common type of intercom used in apartments, offices, and homes for communication between rooms or at the entrance.
The standard loanword for 'intercom' in Japanese. Used for door intercoms, room-to-room communication, and general intercom systems.
The intercom rang.
I check visitors with the apartment intercom.
A common brand-derived term for door intercoms, especially those with a camera. Often used interchangeably with インターホン for entrance systems.
I open the door after seeing the face on the door intercom.
An alternative spelling of インターホン, less common but sometimes seen.
The intercom broke.
A system using telephone lines for internal communication within a building or campus, often with extension numbers.
Refers to an internal telephone line or extension. Often used in offices and hotels for intercommunication.
You can call between rooms using the internal phone system.
Please dial extension 1234.
A telephone system within a specific premises (factory, school, large office). Slightly more formal or technical.
Sometimes used for telephone-based intercoms, but more commonly refers to door/room intercoms.
A portable wireless device for short-range voice communication, like a walkie-talkie used in events, security, or outdoor activities.
The standard term for a two-way radio or walkie-talkie. Used for handheld wireless intercoms.
The security guards are communicating via walkie-talkies.
A general term for a wireless device, including transceivers. More technical and can refer to larger radio equipment.
A communication system within a car, motorcycle, airplane, or ship for passengers or crew.
Often used for vehicle intercoms, especially in motorcycles (rider-to-passenger) or aircraft. Loanword from English 'intercom'.
We enjoy touring while talking via the motorcycle intercom.
Can be used for vehicle intercoms, but インターコム is more specific to this context.
インターホン is the most common term for door/room intercoms. インターコム is often used for vehicle or aircraft intercoms. トランシーバー specifically means a handheld two-way radio (walkie-talkie). Use 内線電話 for office telephone extensions.
The house intercom broke.
The captain made an announcement over the aircraft intercom.
Please contact me via walkie-talkie.
We use the premises telephone for communication within the factory.
You can make internal calls using the office intercom.
It's reassuring to carry a radio when mountain climbing.
The car intercom is acting up.