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.
インターホンが鳴った。
The intercom rang.
マンションのインターホンで来客を確認する。
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.
ドアホンで顔を見てからドアを開ける。
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.
インターフォンが壊れた。
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.
内線電話で部屋同士の通話ができる。
You can call between rooms using the internal phone system.
内線番号1234にかけてください。
Please dial extension 1234.
A telephone system within a specific premises (factory, school, large office). Slightly more formal or technical.
工場内の連絡は構内電話を使います。
We use the premises telephone for communication within the factory.
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.
警備員がトランシーバーで連絡を取り合っている。
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.
登山では無線機を持っていくと安心だ。
It's reassuring to carry a radio when mountain climbing.
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'.
バイクのインターコムで会話しながらツーリングを楽しむ。
We enjoy touring while talking via the motorcycle intercom.
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.
家のインターホンが故障した。
The house intercom broke.
飛行機のインターコムで機長がアナウンスした。
The captain made an announcement over the aircraft intercom.
トランシーバーで連絡してください。
Please contact me via walkie-talkie.
Sometimes used for telephone-based intercoms, but more commonly refers to door/room intercoms.
オフィスのインターホンで内線をかけられます。
You can make internal calls using the office intercom.
Can be used for vehicle intercoms, but インターコム is more specific to this context.
車のインターホンが調子悪い。
The car intercom is acting up.