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.
This door has a sensor.
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.
The fire sensor activated.
Literally 'detector', used for devices that detect specific substances or phenomena. More common in scientific or industrial contexts.
Please install a gas detector.
A sensor that detects movement, often used for automatic doors or security systems.
A sensor that measures temperature.
Standard term for temperature sensor.
The temperature sensor is malfunctioning.
A sensor that detects light levels.
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.
This game supports motion sensors.
Measure indoor brightness using an illuminance sensor.