Translation guide
In Japanese, 'security camera' is most commonly expressed as 防犯カメラ (bōhan kamera) or 監視カメラ (kanshi kamera). The choice depends on nuance: 防犯カメラ emphasizes crime prevention, while 監視カメラ emphasizes surveillance. In casual contexts, セキュリティカメラ (sekyuriti kamera) is also used.
Referring to a camera installed to deter crime and enhance safety, such as in stores, streets, or homes.
The most common and natural term for a security camera, emphasizing crime prevention. Used in public signage, news, and everyday conversation.
この店には防犯カメラが設置されています。
This store has security cameras installed.
防犯カメラの映像を確認してください。
Please check the security camera footage.
Literally 'surveillance camera'. Often used in contexts where monitoring is emphasized, such as by authorities or in security systems. Can sound slightly more formal or technical.
駅の監視カメラが事件の瞬間を捉えていた。
The station's surveillance cameras captured the moment of the incident.
Loanword from English. Common in IT or business contexts, and in product names. Less formal than 防犯カメラ but widely understood.
新しいセキュリティカメラをネットで買った。
I bought a new security camera online.
Referring to closed-circuit television systems, often used in technical, legal, or official contexts.
Full term for a surveillance camera system. Used in technical descriptions or specifications.
このビルには最新の監視カメラシステムが導入されている。
This building is equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance camera system.
Abbreviation used in technical or industry contexts. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
CCTVの映像は警察に提供されました。
The CCTV footage was provided to the police.
Specifically referring to smart doorbells or home cameras like Ring, often used in residential settings.
Common term for a doorbell camera or intercom with camera. Used in home security contexts.
ドアホンカメラが来客を記録します。
The doorbell camera records visitors.
Loanword for smart doorbell. Often used for products like Ring. Casual and modern.
スマートドアベルを玄関に取り付けた。
I installed a smart doorbell at the entrance.
防犯カメラ (bōhan kamera) focuses on crime prevention and is the default term in public signage and everyday speech. 監視カメラ (kanshi kamera) emphasizes surveillance and is often used by authorities or in formal reports. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 防犯カメラ sounds more positive (protecting safety) while 監視カメラ can imply monitoring or watching.
In context, simply saying カメラ (kamera) can be enough if it's clear you mean a security camera. For example, 'カメラがついてる' (There's a camera) is common in casual speech when pointing out a security camera.
防犯カメラが泥棒を捉えた。
The security camera caught the thief.
この辺りに防犯カメラはありますか？
Are there security cameras in this area?