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.
自動運転車
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.
自動運転車が普及すれば、事故が減るだろう。
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.
自動運転自動車の開発が進んでいる。
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.
無人運転車の実証実験が始まった。
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.
未来のロボットカーは空も飛ぶかもしれない。
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).
自動運転のレベルは5段階に分けられる。
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.
自動走行バスの運行が開始された。
Operation of self-driving buses has started.
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.
自動運転タクシーが街を走っている。
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.
この自動運転車はレベル3で、緊急時にはドライバーが操作する。
This self-driving car is Level 3, and the driver takes over in an emergency.
無人運転車にはハンドルもアクセルもない。
A driverless car has neither a steering wheel nor an accelerator.
自動運転車を買いたい。
I want to buy a self-driving car.
自動運転車は未来だ。
Self-driving cars are the future.