Translation guide
The English word 'invention' can refer to a created device or process, the act of creating something new, or the skill of creative thinking. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
invention (device/process)
Referring to a new device, machine, or method that has been invented.
The most common and direct translation for 'invention' as a created thing. Used for devices, machines, and technical innovations.
The telephone is a wonderful invention.
His invention changed the world.
Specifically refers to an invented product or article. Slightly more formal or technical.
Referring to the process or action of creating something new.
Referring to the ability to think of new ideas or the quality of being inventive.
Refers to the power of imagination or creativity, the ability to come up with ideas. Closest to 'inventiveness'.
He has a rich power of invention.
General creativity, the ability to create. Overlaps with 'invention' when referring to creative capacity.
Ingenuity, resourcefulness, or devising a clever solution. Often used for practical, everyday inventiveness.
Referring to something that is made up, not true.
A made-up story, fabrication. Commonly used for fictional tales or lies.
That's all an invention.
A fabrication, trumped-up story. Stronger connotation of a deliberate lie or falsehood.
Fiction, fabrication. More formal or literary, often used in contexts like 'work of fiction'.
The katakana loanword インベンション is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
This invention is patented.
彼はその装置を発明した。
He invented the device.
この創案は彼の独自の研究によるものだ。
This invention is the result of his original research.
Art requires invention.
彼は工夫して問題を解決した。
He solved the problem with invention.
The story was a complete invention.
彼の証言は虚構であることが判明した。
His testimony turned out to be an invention.