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.
ロボット
robot
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.
あの会社は掃除ロボットを開発している。
That company is developing a cleaning robot.
子供の頃、ロボットのおもちゃが大好きだった。
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.
その映画は人造人間が感情を持つ話だ。
That movie is about an artificial human gaining emotions.
Specifically a robot that resembles a human in appearance and behavior.
Loanword for 'android', commonly used in tech and pop culture.
最新のアンドロイドは人間と見分けがつかない。
The latest android is indistinguishable from a human.
A robot used in manufacturing, assembly lines, etc.
Standard term for industrial robots.
この工場では多くの産業用ロボットが稼働している。
Many industrial robots are operating in this factory.
Referring to a robot character in anime, manga, movies, etc.
The default term for robot characters.
そのアニメのロボットはとてもかっこいい。
The robot in that anime is really cool.
Short for 'mecha', often used for piloted or giant robots in anime.
彼はメカアニメが大好きだ。
He loves mecha anime.
Referring to old-fashioned mechanical automata, not modern electronic robots.
Traditional Japanese mechanical dolls or automata, often from the Edo period.
からくり人形は江戸時代に作られた。
Karakuri dolls were made in the Edo period.
Literally 'automatic doll', used for Western-style automata.
その博物館には18世紀の自動人形が展示されている。
That museum has an 18th-century automaton on display.
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.
ヒューマノイドロボットの研究が進んでいる。
Research on humanoid robots is advancing.
As above, but strongly associated with classic sci-fi and manga.
その漫画の人造人間はとても有名だ。
The artificial human in that manga is very famous.
Specifically a robotic arm, common in manufacturing.
ロボットアームが正確に部品を組み立てる。
The robotic arm assembles parts precisely.