Translation guide
The English word 'telescope' refers to an optical instrument for viewing distant objects. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 望遠鏡 (bouenkyou), but there are also specific terms for astronomical telescopes, small handheld telescopes, and even a verb for collapsing something like a telescope.
The general term for a telescope, used in everyday contexts, science, and hobbies.
The standard word for 'telescope'. Covers both astronomical and terrestrial telescopes.
彼は新しい望遠鏡を買った。
He bought a new telescope.
望遠鏡で星を見るのが好きです。
I like watching stars with a telescope.
Specifically an astronomical telescope. Used when emphasizing use for stargazing or astronomy.
天体望遠鏡で土星の環を観察した。
I observed Saturn's rings with an astronomical telescope.
Literally 'binoculars', but sometimes used loosely for small terrestrial telescopes. Not a true telescope, but learners may encounter it as a related term.
This means 'binoculars', not a monocular telescope. Use only if the context involves handheld magnification for both eyes.
野鳥観察には双眼鏡を持っていきます。
I take binoculars for birdwatching.
Describing something that slides or folds into itself, like a telescope's tubes.
Means 'telescopic' or 'extendable'. Used for objects like ladders, poles, or antennas.
伸縮式のポールを使う。
Use a telescopic pole.
Loanword from English 'telescopic'. Often used in technical or product descriptions.
テレスコピックアンテナを伸ばす。
Extend the telescopic antenna.
Verb meaning 'to expand and contract' or 'to telescope'. Can describe the action of collapsing or extending.
この三脚は簡単に伸縮します。
This tripod telescopes easily.
The action of something being crushed or folded together, often in a destructive way.
Describes something being crushed inward, like a car in a collision. Often used for telescoping damage.
事故で車の前部がめり込んだ。
The front of the car telescoped in the accident.
Passive form meaning 'to be crushed flat'. Can imply telescoping when something is compressed lengthwise.
列車が衝突して、先頭車両が押し潰された。
The trains collided and the leading car was telescoped.
The Japanese word for 'microscope' is 顕微鏡 (けんびきょう). The kanji 望 (bou) means 'hope' or 'far', while 顕 (ken) means 'reveal'. Mixing them up is a common learner mistake.
In English, 'telescope' usually means a monocular device, while 'binoculars' are for both eyes. In Japanese, 望遠鏡 can technically include both, but 双眼鏡 specifically means binoculars. Use 望遠鏡 for the general concept, and 双眼鏡 when you need to specify binoculars.