Translation guide
The English word 'laboratory' refers to a place equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 研究室 (kenkyūshitsu) for academic research labs, while 実験室 (jikkenshitsu) is used for hands-on experiment rooms. The abbreviated form ラボ (rabo) is also widely used in casual and technical contexts.
research laboratory
experiment laboratory
lab (casual)
A room or facility where scientific or academic research is conducted, typically by a professor and their students or a research team.
The standard term for a research laboratory, especially in universities and research institutions. It refers to both the physical room and the research group.
I work in a university laboratory.
A common abbreviation of 'laboratory', used in casual speech and in names of labs. Often combined with other words, e.g., 化学ラボ (kagaku rabo, chemistry lab).
A room equipped for conducting practical scientific experiments, such as in schools or testing facilities.
A facility where medical tests and analyses are performed, such as blood tests or pathology.
A scheduled class period for laboratory work, often part of a science curriculum.
研究室 (kenkyūshitsu) is for research activities, often including desks, computers, and meeting areas. 実験室 (jikkenshitsu) is specifically for conducting experiments, with equipment like fume hoods and lab benches. A 研究室 may contain an 実験室, but they are distinct concepts.
She works in a laboratory.
Assuming a research context.
彼は化学の研究室に所属している。
He belongs to a chemistry laboratory.
We got a new lab.
All the lab members are excellent.
Refers to a research institute or a larger research facility, often independent or part of a company. More formal and larger in scale than 研究室.
She works at a pharmaceutical company's research laboratory.
Specifically a room for conducting experiments. Used in schools, universities, and industrial settings. Emphasizes the experimental aspect.
We did an experiment in the science laboratory.
There are dangerous chemicals in the laboratory.
Also used for experiment rooms, especially in casual contexts or compound words like 化学ラボ (chemistry lab).
Let's do an experiment in the chemistry lab.
Blood tests are done in the laboratory.
Specifically a clinical laboratory. More technical term used in medical contexts.
We analyze specimens in the clinical laboratory.
I have a chemistry lab today.
Refers to practical training or lab work, often used in technical or vocational education.
We used microscopes in biology lab.
After a meeting in the professor's office/lab, we moved to the experiment lab.
ラボ is a casual abbreviation and should be avoided in formal documents or academic papers. Use 研究室 or 実験室 instead.
その研究室には最新の技術が備わっている。
The laboratory is equipped with the latest technology.
We have a three-hour lab this afternoon.