Translation guide
The English word 'magnet' refers to an object that attracts iron and some other materials. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 磁石 (じしゃく). This guide covers the physical object, figurative uses, and related expressions.
Referring to a physical object that produces a magnetic field and attracts iron, used in everyday contexts like fridge magnets or toys.
I stuck a note on the fridge with a magnet.
This magnet is very strong.
Loanword from English, often used for decorative or small magnets, like fridge magnets or magnetic stickers. Slightly more casual and common in product names.
I bought a magnet as a souvenir.
Describing a person, place, or thing that strongly attracts people, attention, or other things, like 'a tourist magnet' or 'a trouble magnet'.
Literally 'to draw/pull toward oneself'. Used to say something attracts people or things. Combine with a noun to describe what is attracted.
This park is a magnet for tourists.
He's the type who attracts trouble (a trouble magnet).
Literally 'target of ~'. Used to indicate someone/something is the focus of attention or criticism. Often used in phrases like '注目の的' (center of attention).
Literally 'people-gathering'. Refers to something that draws a crowd, like an event or attraction. Often used in marketing contexts.
Referring to magnets used in technology, such as in speakers, motors, or MRI machines.
Same as the physical magnet, but used in technical contexts. Often combined with other words to specify type, like 電磁石 (electromagnet).
Magnets are used in speakers.
Also used in technical contexts, especially in compound words like マグネットスイッチ (magnetic switch).
While 磁石 can sometimes be used figuratively (e.g., 彼はトラブル磁石だ), it is less common and can sound unnatural. It's safer to use patterns like 〜を引き寄せる or 〜の的 for 'magnet' in the sense of attracting people or things.
He is a trouble magnet.
She was the magnet of attention at the party.
そのイベントは人寄せに成功した。
The event succeeded as a crowd magnet.
This motor contains a powerful magnet.