Translation guide
A sensor is a device that detects or measures physical properties and responds to them. In Japanese, the most common word is センサー, a loanword from English. There are also native Japanese terms for specific types of sensors.
A device that detects or measures something, such as light, heat, motion, or pressure.
The most common and general term for 'sensor' in Japanese. Used in everyday and technical contexts.
このドアにはセンサーが付いています。
This door has a sensor.
センサーが反応してライトが点きました。
The sensor reacted and the light turned on.
A more formal or technical term for a sensing device. Often used in compound words for specific sensors.
火災感知器が作動しました。
The fire sensor activated.
Literally 'detector', used for devices that detect specific substances or phenomena. More common in scientific or industrial contexts.
ガス検出器を設置してください。
Please install a gas detector.
A sensor that detects movement, often used for automatic doors or security systems.
Specifically a human presence/motion sensor. Very common for automatic lights and doors.
人感センサーで電気が自動で点きます。
The light turns on automatically with the motion sensor.
Loanword for 'motion sensor', used in tech and gaming contexts.
このゲームはモーションセンサーに対応しています。
This game supports motion sensors.
A sensor that measures temperature.
Standard term for temperature sensor.
温度センサーが故障しています。
The temperature sensor is malfunctioning.
A sensor that detects light levels.
Common term for light sensor.
光センサーで画面の明るさが調整されます。
The screen brightness is adjusted by the light sensor.
More technical term for illuminance sensor.
照度センサーを使って室内の明るさを測ります。
Measure indoor brightness using an illuminance sensor.
センサー is the default for everyday and most technical contexts. 感知器 sounds more formal and is often part of compound words like 火災感知器 (fire sensor). In casual conversation, stick with センサー.