Translation guide
The English word "sounder" is rare and has two main meanings: a device that makes sound, or a person/thing that measures depth by sounding. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
A device or instrument that emits a sound, such as an alarm, buzzer, or signal.
Common loanword for an electric buzzer or sounder, used in alarms, timers, and doorbells.
A person or instrument that determines water depth, traditionally with a lead line.
The English word "sounder" is uncommon. In most cases, you should use a more specific Japanese word like ブザー (buzzer) or 測深器 (depth sounder) instead of trying to translate "sounder" directly.
火災報知器のブザーが鳴った。
The fire alarm sounder went off.
General term for an alarm device, often used in safety or security contexts.
The gas leak sounder activated.
Technical term for a sounding body or acoustic transducer; rarely used in daily conversation.
This device uses a piezoelectric element as a sounder.
Standard term for a depth-sounding instrument, such as an echo sounder.
Fishing boats measure the depth of the seafloor with a sounder.
Historical term for a person who manually sounds depth, e.g., on old sailing ships.
The sounder used a lead to measure the water depth.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person who measures water depth'; avoids obscure terms.
In the past, a sounder used a rope.