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.
This factory is equipped with the latest machinery.
Explicitly means 'machinery' as a category of things. Used when emphasizing the collective nature.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
The machinery broke down.
Examine the machinery of the clock.
Learn about the machinery of society.
Please explain the machinery of this device.
この機械の仕組みを理解するのは難しい。
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.