Translation guide
The English word 'robot' is widely used in Japanese as ロボット (robotto). However, Japanese also has native terms like 人造人間 (jinzō ningen) for humanoid robots, especially in fiction. This guide covers how to refer to robots in various contexts.
Referring to a robot in everyday, technical, or sci-fi contexts.
The standard loanword for 'robot', used in almost all contexts from toys to industrial machines.
That company is developing a cleaning robot.
When I was a child, I loved robot toys.
Literally 'artificial human'. Used mainly in science fiction for androids or humanoid robots, often with a philosophical nuance.
That movie is about an artificial human gaining emotions.
Specifically a robot that resembles a human in appearance and behavior.
A robot used in manufacturing, assembly lines, etc.
Referring to a robot character in anime, manga, movies, etc.
Referring to old-fashioned mechanical automata, not modern electronic robots.
Use ロボット for any modern mechanical or electronic robot. 人造人間 is reserved for fictional androids or artificial humans, often with a philosophical or literary tone. In everyday conversation, ロボット is almost always the right choice.
Loanword for 'humanoid', often used for robots with a human-like body plan but not necessarily fully human in appearance.
Research on humanoid robots is advancing.
As above, but strongly associated with classic sci-fi and manga.
The artificial human in that manga is very famous.
Specifically a robotic arm, common in manufacturing.
The robotic arm assembles parts precisely.
He loves mecha anime.
That museum has an 18th-century automaton on display.