Translation guide
A small electronic device for arithmetic calculations, small enough to fit in a pocket. In Japanese, the most common term is 電卓 (でんたく), but other expressions exist depending on context.
The learner wants to refer to a small, portable electronic calculator in everyday conversation.
The standard, most common word for a pocket calculator. Short for 電子式卓上計算機 (でんししきたくじょうけいさんき), but almost always used in its abbreviated form.
電卓を貸してもらえますか？
Can I borrow your pocket calculator?
この電卓はとても使いやすい。
This pocket calculator is very easy to use.
A broader term meaning 'calculator' or 'computing machine'. Can refer to pocket calculators, but also to larger desktop calculators or even mechanical calculators. In context, it's clear you mean a pocket calculator.
計算機で合計を出してください。
Please calculate the total with the calculator.
Literally 'pocket calculator'. Used when you need to emphasize the pocket-sized nature, but 電卓 alone usually implies portability.
このポケット電卓は薄くて軽い。
This pocket calculator is thin and light.
The learner wants to refer to the calculator function on a smartphone.
The most natural way to refer to the calculator app on a smartphone. スマホ is the common abbreviation for smartphone.
スマホの電卓で計算した。
I calculated it using my phone's calculator.
More explicit: 'smartphone calculator app'. Used when you need to be precise, but スマホの電卓 is more common in casual speech.
スマートフォンの電卓アプリを起動してください。
Please open the calculator app on your smartphone.
The learner wants to stress that the calculator is small enough to carry in a pocket, perhaps when comparing models.
Means 'pocket-sized calculator'. Natural when describing the physical dimensions.
ポケットサイズの電卓を探しています。
I'm looking for a pocket-sized calculator.
Means 'compact calculator' or 'small calculator'. Often used in product descriptions.
この小型電卓は持ち運びに便利です。
This compact calculator is convenient to carry around.
電卓 (でんたく) specifically means an electronic calculator, usually pocket-sized. 計算機 (けいさんき) is a broader term that can include mechanical calculators, large office calculators, or even computers in some contexts. For a pocket calculator, 電卓 is the safest choice.