Translation guide
The English word 'motor' refers to a machine that converts energy into motion, especially electrical energy into mechanical rotation. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is モーター, a loanword used for electric motors in appliances, vehicles, and machinery. For engines that burn fuel, エンジン is used. There are also native terms like 電動機 (technical) and 原動機 (broad, including engines). This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
To refer to a device that converts electrical energy into rotational motion, commonly found in fans, pumps, power tools, and electric vehicles.
The most common and natural word for an electric motor in everyday contexts. Used in appliances, toys, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment.
この扇風機のモーターは静かです。
The motor of this fan is quiet.
電気自動車にはモーターが使われています。
Electric cars use motors.
A technical term for an electric motor, used in engineering or formal specifications. Not common in daily conversation.
この工場では大型の電動機を使用しています。
This factory uses large electric motors.
To refer to a machine that burns fuel to produce motion, typically in cars, motorcycles, boats, or airplanes.
The standard word for an internal combustion engine. Used for cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and other fuel-powered vehicles.
車のエンジンがかからない。
The car engine won't start.
このバイクはエンジンの調子がいい。
This motorcycle's engine is running well.
A broad technical term for any prime mover, including engines and motors. Rarely used in everyday language.
To describe something that provides energy, motivation, or impetus, like 'the motor of the economy' or 'a motor for change'.
Means 'driving force' or 'motive power'. Used figuratively for people, ideas, or economic forces.
彼女はチームの原動力だ。
She is the driving force behind the team.
技術革新が経済成長の原動力となる。
Technological innovation is the motor of economic growth.
Sometimes used metaphorically in business or technology contexts, similar to English 'motor', but less common than 原動力.
モーター refers specifically to an electric motor, while エンジン refers to an internal combustion engine. In Japanese, these are distinct and not interchangeable. Use モーター for battery-powered or electric devices, and エンジン for gasoline or diesel engines.
このおもちゃはモーターで動く。
This toy runs on a motor.
この車はエンジンで動く。
This car runs on an engine.
In English, 'motor' can sometimes refer to a car engine (e.g., 'motor vehicle'), but in Japanese, モーター almost always means an electric motor. Using モーター for a gasoline engine sounds unnatural. Use エンジン instead.
洗濯機のモーターが壊れた。
The motor of the washing machine broke.
彼はボートのエンジンをかけた。
He started the motor of the boat.
原動機の種類には内燃機関と電動機がある。
Types of prime movers include internal combustion engines and electric motors.
このプロジェクトのモーター役を務める。
He acts as the motor of this project.