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.
The standard word for a magnet. Used for all types of magnets, from industrial to household.
冷蔵庫に磁石でメモを貼った。
I stuck a note on the fridge with a magnet.
この磁石はとても強い。
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.
お土産にマグネットを買った。
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.
この公園は観光客を引き寄せる。
This park is a magnet for tourists.
彼はトラブルを引き寄せるタイプだ。
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).
彼女はパーティーで注目の的だった。
She was the magnet of attention at the party.
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).
スピーカーには磁石が使われている。
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.
彼はトラブルを引き寄せる。
He is a trouble magnet.
The event succeeded as a crowd magnet.
このモーターには強力なマグネットが入っている。
This motor contains a powerful magnet.