Translation guide
A vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human input. In Japanese, the most common term is 自動運転車, but related expressions like 自動運転 (the technology) and 無人運転車 (driverless car) are also used depending on context.
self-driving car
Referring to a car that drives itself, typically using sensors and AI.
The standard term for a self-driving car. Literally 'automatic driving vehicle'. Used in news, technical contexts, and everyday conversation.
If self-driving cars become widespread, accidents will probably decrease.
A more formal or technical term, literally 'automatic driving automobile'. Less common in everyday speech but seen in official documents.
Development of self-driving cars is progressing.
Literally 'unmanned driving vehicle'. Emphasizes the absence of a driver. Often used for fully autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel.
Demonstration tests of driverless cars have begun.
A loanword from English 'robot car'. Used in some media but less common than 自動運転車. Sounds slightly futuristic or casual.
Future robot cars might even fly.
Referring to the technology or system that enables autonomous driving, not the car itself.
The general term for autonomous driving technology. Can be used as a noun or in compounds like 自動運転システム (autonomous driving system).
Levels of autonomous driving are divided into five stages.
Literally 'automatic travel'. Often used in technical contexts for the act of autonomous driving, especially for vehicles like buses or trucks.
Referring to a self-driving taxi or ride-hailing service.
The standard term for a self-driving taxi. Used in news about services like Waymo or Uber's autonomous vehicles.
Self-driving taxis are running in the city.
自動運転車 is the general term for any car with autonomous capabilities, including those with a driver ready to take over. 無人運転車 specifically means a vehicle with no human driver at all, often used for fully autonomous vehicles without controls.
This self-driving car is Level 3, and the driver takes over in an emergency.
A driverless car has neither a steering wheel nor an accelerator.
I want to buy a self-driving car.
Self-driving cars are the future.
Operation of self-driving buses has started.