Translation guide
The English word 'manual' can refer to a handbook, something done by hand, or a non-automatic process. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a book or document that provides instructions or information.
The most common and direct loanword for 'manual' in the sense of an instruction booklet. Used widely in business and everyday contexts.
このマニュアルを読んでください。
Please read this manual.
A general term for an explanatory document or instruction sheet. Often used for product manuals.
説明書に従って組み立ててください。
Please assemble it according to the manual.
Specifically an 'instruction manual' for operating a device or appliance. More formal and detailed.
取扱説明書をよくお読みください。
Please read the instruction manual carefully.
A guidebook or handbook, often used for procedural guides or manuals in a more formal or literary context.
この手引書は初心者向けです。
This manual is for beginners.
Describing something that is done or operated by hand rather than automatically.
The standard term for 'manual' as opposed to automatic. Used for machines, processes, or controls.
この車は手動で窓を開けます。
This car has manual windows.
Also used as an adjective for 'manual' in the sense of non-automatic, especially in technical contexts (e.g., manual transmission).
Refers to manual labor or work done by hand, emphasizing the process rather than the machine.
Specifically referring to a car with a manual gearbox.
Common abbreviation for a car with manual transmission. Often shortened to just 'マニュアル' in conversation.
マニュアル車に乗れますか？
Can you drive a manual?
Abbreviation for 'Manual Transmission car'. Used in car specifications and by enthusiasts.
MT車の方が燃費がいい。
Manual cars have better fuel efficiency.
Both can mean 'manual', but マニュアル is a loanword often used for business or technical manuals, while 説明書 is a native Japanese word for any explanatory document, like a product insert. 取扱説明書 is the full formal term for an instruction manual.
手動 means 'manual' as in 'by hand', not a handbook. Using it for a document would be incorrect.
このソフトのマニュアルが必要です。
I need the manual for this software.
このカメラは手動ですか、自動ですか？
Is this camera manual or automatic?
マニュアル車の運転は楽しい。
Driving a manual car is fun.
This process is entirely manual.