Translation guide
The English word 'recorder' can refer to a device for recording audio/video, a musical instrument, or a person/role. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A device that records sound or video, such as a voice recorder, video recorder, or tape recorder.
The most common and general term for any recording device. Often combined with other words to specify the type.
新しいレコーダーを買いました。
I bought a new recorder.
このレコーダーは操作が簡単です。
This recorder is easy to operate.
Literally 'sound recording machine'. More formal and technical, often used in written contexts or specifications.
会議の内容は録音機で記録されました。
The contents of the meeting were recorded with a recorder.
Specifically a video recording machine. Less common than ビデオレコーダー.
昔の録画機はテープを使っていました。
Old recorders used tapes.
The simple woodwind instrument, often made of plastic or wood, commonly used in schools.
The standard term for the musical instrument. Note the different first kana compared to the device (リ vs レ).
小学生のとき、リコーダーを習いました。
I learned the recorder when I was in elementary school.
リコーダーで簡単な曲を吹けます。
I can play simple songs on the recorder.
Literally 'vertical flute'. A descriptive term sometimes used to distinguish it from transverse flutes. More common in educational or traditional contexts.
A person whose job is to keep records, such as a court recorder, meeting recorder, or historical recorder.
General term for a person in charge of recording or taking minutes. Suitable for meetings, events, etc.
彼が会議の記録係に任命されました。
He was appointed as the recorder for the meeting.
Often used for a secretary or clerk who takes minutes, especially in formal organizations or courts.
Literally 'sound recording person'. Rarely used; mainly in technical or legal contexts where the act of audio recording is emphasized.
録音者は証言を正確に記録しなければならない。
The recorder must accurately record the testimony.
These two katakana words look similar but refer to completely different things. レコーダー (rekōdā) is a recording device, while リコーダー (rikōdā) is the musical instrument. Pay attention to the first kana: レ (re) for recording, リ (ri) for the instrument.
レコーダーで音楽を録音する。
Record music with a recorder (device).
リコーダーで音楽を演奏する。
Play music on a recorder (instrument).
I listened to a recorder performance.
The court recorder takes the records.