Translation guide
A steamer can refer to a cooking appliance, a type of ship, or a vehicle powered by steam. This guide covers the most common meanings for English-speaking learners.
A device for steaming food, such as vegetables or dumplings.
General term for a steamer used in cooking. Can refer to bamboo steamers, metal steamers, or electric steamers.
I steam vegetables in a steamer.
Specifically a bamboo steamer, often used for dim sum or traditional Japanese dishes.
I heat up shumai in a bamboo steamer.
Loanword from English, often used for modern electric steamers or garment steamers. In cooking contexts, it may refer to an electric food steamer.
I cooked broccoli in the steamer.
A ship powered by steam engines.
A vehicle, especially a train or early automobile, powered by steam.
Steam locomotive. Often abbreviated as SL (エスエル).
I went to see a steam locomotive run.
Common abbreviation for steam locomotive, used in signs and conversation.
I want to ride a steam train.
Steam-powered automobile, a historical vehicle. Rarely used in modern conversation.
蒸し器 is the general term for any steamer, while 蒸籠 specifically refers to a bamboo steamer. Use 蒸し器 unless you are specifically talking about a bamboo steamer.
The English word 'steamer' can also refer to a type of trunk. In Japanese, that is スチーマートランク or simply トランク. This guide does not cover that meaning.
I bought a new steamer for cooking.
The steamer crossed the Atlantic.
Steamers were active in the Meiji era.
A steam car is on display at the museum.