Translation guide
A device or software that captures images, documents, or data. In Japanese, the most common word is スキャナー, borrowed from English. For specific contexts like medical imaging or barcodes, other terms are used.
スキャナー
scanner (general)
A device that scans documents or images into digital form.
The standard loanword for a flatbed or document scanner. Widely understood.
新しいスキャナーを買いました。
I bought a new scanner.
このスキャナーは高速です。
This scanner is fast.
More specific term for an image scanner, often used in technical contexts.
イメージスキャナーで写真を取り込みます。
I import photos with an image scanner.
A device that reads barcodes, often at retail checkouts.
The standard term for a barcode scanner.
レジでバーコードスキャナーを使います。
We use a barcode scanner at the register.
A machine used in hospitals for diagnostic imaging.
In medical contexts, スキャナー can refer to CT or MRI scanners, but it's often part of a compound.
CTスキャナーで検査します。
We'll examine you with a CT scanner.
Specifically an MRI scanner.
MRIスキャナーは強力な磁石を使います。
An MRI scanner uses powerful magnets.
A program that scans for viruses or network vulnerabilities.
Used for software scanners, often in compounds like ウイルススキャナー.
ウイルススキャナーを実行してください。
Please run the virus scanner.
A generic term for scanning tools or utilities.
ネットワークスキャンツールで脆弱性をチェックします。
I check for vulnerabilities with a network scanning tool.
A device that receives radio signals across frequencies.
Also used for radio scanners, often as 無線スキャナー.
無線スキャナーで航空無線を聞きます。
I listen to air traffic control with a radio scanner.
Sometimes used for wideband receivers, but スキャナー is more common for scanning devices.
Literally 'barcode reader', often used interchangeably with バーコードスキャナー.
バーコードリーダーで商品を読み取ります。
I scan products with a barcode reader.
広帯域レシーバーでスキャンします。
I scan with a wideband receiver.