Translation guide
A radiator is a device that emits heat, commonly found in homes or vehicles. In Japanese, the term depends on the type: a room heater is typically ラジエーター or 暖房器具, while a car radiator is ラジエーター. For home heating, more specific terms like ストーブ or ヒーター are often used.
car radiator
A device that heats a room by circulating hot water or steam, often found in older buildings or cold climates.
The most direct translation, commonly understood for both room and car radiators. Use this when the context is clear.
The radiator in the room broke down.
A general term for heating appliances. Use this when you want to refer to the category of heating devices, not specifically a radiator.
This heating appliance is very efficient.
Often used for portable or standalone heaters, including oil, gas, or electric types. In Japan, this is more common than ラジエーター for room heating.
It was cold, so I turned on the heater.
A generic term for electric heaters. Often used for fan heaters or panel heaters.
Let's warm up in front of the heater.
A device in a vehicle that cools the engine by dissipating heat from coolant.
The standard term for a car radiator. No alternative is commonly used.
Water is leaking from the car's radiator.
ラジエーター typically refers to a hot-water or steam radiator, often built into a wall. ストーブ is a standalone heater, often fueled by oil, gas, or electricity. ヒーター is a generic term for electric heaters, including fan heaters and panel heaters. In Japanese homes, ストーブ and ヒーター are more common than ラジエーター.
In winter, a heater is essential.
The room warmed up quickly with the heater.
In English, 'radiator' can refer to any heat-emitting device, but in Japanese, ラジエーター is mainly for car radiators or specific hot-water room radiators. For typical portable heaters, use ストーブ or ヒーター.