Translation guide
The English word 'machinery' refers to machines collectively, or the working parts of a machine. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 機械 (kikai), which covers both individual machines and machinery as a concept. For the internal mechanism, 機構 (kikō) or メカニズム (mekanizumu) are used. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
Referring to a group of machines, especially in industrial or mechanical contexts.
The most common and general word for 'machine' or 'machinery'. Can refer to a single machine or machines in general.
この工場には最新の機械が導入されている。
This factory is equipped with the latest machinery.
Explicitly means 'machinery' as a category of things. Used when emphasizing the collective nature.
機械類の取り扱いには注意が必要です。
Care is needed when handling machinery.
Loanword from English, often used in specific contexts like fitness machines or computer hardware. Not a direct replacement for general 'machinery'.
ジムにはたくさんのマシンがある。
There are many machines in the gym.
Referring to the internal structure or system of parts that make a machine work.
Refers to the mechanism or structure of a machine. Also used for organizational structures.
この時計の機構は非常に複雑だ。
The machinery of this watch is very complex.
Loanword meaning 'mechanism'. Often used in technical or scientific contexts.
A more general word for 'mechanism' or 'structure', often used for systems or how things work, not just physical machines.
Using 'machinery' metaphorically to refer to a complex system, such as government or bureaucracy.
Also used for organizational or systemic 'machinery', like government machinery.
政府の機構を改革する必要がある。
We need to reform the machinery of government.
Loanword 'system', often used in similar figurative contexts.
機械 (kikai) is the most direct translation for 'machine' or 'machinery' as physical devices. 機構 (kikō) refers to the internal mechanism or structure, and can be used figuratively. 仕組み (shikumi) is a broader term for how something works, not limited to machines.
機械が故障した。
The machinery broke down.
時計の機構を調べる。
Examine the machinery of the clock.
社会の仕組みを学ぶ。
Learn about the machinery of society.
この装置のメカニズムを説明してください。
Please explain the machinery of this device.
It's difficult to understand the machinery of this machine.
官僚のシステムは非効率だ。
The bureaucratic machinery is inefficient.