Translation guide
A device that uses light to read text, images, or barcodes. In Japanese, the term varies by context: general document scanners, barcode readers, and specialized OCR devices.
scanner (general)
barcode scanner
A device that scans documents or images using light, typically for digitization.
The direct translation, used in technical contexts. Understandable but less common in everyday speech.
This optical scanner has high resolution.
The most common term for a scanner in everyday Japanese. Often implies optical scanning.
I scanned the documents with a scanner.
Specifically refers to an image scanner, often used in technical specifications.
Please connect the image scanner.
A device that reads barcodes using a laser or camera, common in retail and logistics.
The standard term for a barcode scanner.
We use a barcode scanner at the register.
A device or software that optically recognizes characters, often used for digitizing printed text.
Specifically an optical character recognition scanner. OCR is well-known in Japanese tech contexts.
I digitized business cards with an OCR scanner.
In most everyday situations, simply saying スキャナー is sufficient. Specify バーコードスキャナー or OCR only when the type is not clear from context.
Often used interchangeably with barcode scanner, though technically a reader may not have a scanning mechanism.
I read the product with a barcode reader.
A formal, technical term for an optical character reader. Rarely used in conversation.
An optical character reader was introduced.