Translation guide
The English word 'processor' covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meaning is a computer's CPU, for which プロセッサー is standard. For food processors, フードプロセッサー is used. In business contexts, 'processor' can refer to a person or company that handles paperwork or transactions, expressed with 処理業者 or similar terms. This guide breaks down these meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
The central processing unit of a computer or electronic device
The standard loanword for a computer processor. Widely understood in tech contexts.
このスマホのプロセッサーはとても速い。
This smartphone's processor is very fast.
Often used interchangeably with プロセッサー, especially in technical specifications.
新しいCPUに交換した。
I replaced the CPU with a new one.
Formal, technical term. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
中央処理装置の性能が向上した。
The performance of the central processing unit has improved.
An electric kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, etc.
The standard term for a food processor. Often shortened to フープロ in casual speech.
フードプロセッサーで野菜をみじん切りにした。
I chopped vegetables in the food processor.
Common abbreviation of フードプロセッサー, used in casual contexts.
フープロがあれば料理が楽になるよ。
If you have a food processor, cooking becomes easier.
An entity that handles paperwork, claims, payments, etc.
General term for a processing company or agent. Suitable for business contexts.
支払い処理業者を変更しました。
We changed our payment processor.
Refers to a person in charge of processing, often within a company.
申請書は処理担当者に渡してください。
Please hand the application form to the processor.
Literal 'person who processes'. Understandable but less natural than specific job titles.
データを処理する人を探しています。
We are looking for a person to process data.
Software for creating text documents
Abbreviation of ワードプロセッサー. Commonly used for both software and dedicated word processing machines.
ワープロでレポートを書いた。
I wrote the report on a word processor.
While プロセッサー can technically refer to a person in English, in Japanese it almost exclusively means a machine/device. Use role-specific terms like 処理担当者 or 処理業者 for people.
Full term, less common than ワープロ in everyday speech.
昔はワードプロセッサー専用機が主流だった。
In the past, dedicated word processors were mainstream.