Translation guide
A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to as マルチメーター or テスター.
The learner wants to refer to the device itself in everyday or technical contexts.
The most direct translation, widely understood in technical and hobbyist circles. It is a loanword from English.
このマルチメーターで電圧を測ってください。
Please measure the voltage with this multimeter.
Very common in Japan, especially in electronics and DIY contexts. Often used interchangeably with マルチメーター, though technically a tester can be a simpler device.
テスターで導通をチェックします。
I'll check continuity with a multimeter.
A more formal or technical term, literally 'circuit meter'. Less common in everyday speech.
回路計を使って抵抗値を測定する。
Measure the resistance value using a circuit meter.
The learner wants to specify a digital multimeter as opposed to an analog one.
Explicitly refers to a digital multimeter. Often abbreviated as DMM.
デジタルマルチメーターの方が読みやすいです。
A digital multimeter is easier to read.
Commonly used for digital testers, though テスター alone can imply analog in some contexts.
デジタルテスターで正確に測れます。
You can measure accurately with a digital tester.
The learner wants to refer to an analog multimeter with a needle display.
Specifies an analog multimeter. Less common today but still used in some fields.
アナログマルチメーターは針の動きで判断します。
With an analog multimeter, you judge by the needle movement.
Also used, but テスター alone might be ambiguous.
アナログテスターは電池がなくても電圧を測れます。
An analog tester can measure voltage even without a battery.
Both are used for multimeters. テスター is more common in everyday Japanese and can refer to simpler testers, while マルチメーター is more precise for a device that measures voltage, current, and resistance. In practice, they are often interchangeable.
ホームセンターでテスターを買った。
I bought a multimeter at the home center.