Translation guide
The English word "mileage" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you're talking about distance traveled, fuel efficiency, benefits gained, or wear and tear.
The total distance a vehicle has traveled, often shown on an odometer.
The standard term for distance traveled by a vehicle. Used in formal and technical contexts.
この車の走行距離は10万キロです。
This car has a mileage of 100,000 kilometers.
Loanword from English, often used in the context of frequent flyer programs or car mileage in casual conversation.
マイレージが貯まると無料航空券がもらえます。
When you accumulate mileage, you can get a free flight ticket.
The distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel.
The standard term for fuel efficiency, literally 'fuel consumption'. Often expressed in km/L.
この車は燃費がいい。
This car gets good mileage.
燃費を良くする運転方法を教えてください。
Please teach me driving methods to improve mileage.
A more casual way to say a car is fuel-efficient, focusing on saving money on gas.
この車はガソリン代がかからないから助かる。
This car gets great mileage, so it saves me money.
The amount of use or benefit you get from something.
Literally 'what one gains'. Used to talk about the benefit or value derived from an experience or effort.
この経験から得るものは大きかった。
I got a lot of mileage out of this experience.
Means 'to be useful'. Can be used to express that something has been beneficial or has served its purpose well.
このスキルは仕事でかなり役に立った。
I got a lot of mileage out of this skill at work.
Literally 'there is value in using'. Implies that something has been worth using or has provided good service.
この道具は本当に使い出がある。
This tool really gives you a lot of mileage.
The amount of use something has already had, or how much longer it can be used.
Means 'can still be used a lot'. Used to say that something still has plenty of mileage left.
このタイヤはまだまだ使えるよ。
These tires still have a lot of mileage left.
Means 'lifespan' or 'service life'. Can be used to talk about the remaining useful life of a product.
このバッテリーの寿命はあとどれくらいですか？
How much mileage does this battery have left?
The English word "mileage" covers several distinct concepts. Avoid directly translating it as マイレージ unless you're specifically talking about frequent flyer miles or in a casual car context. For distance traveled, use 走行距離; for fuel efficiency, use 燃費.