Translation guide
A timer is a device or function that counts down or measures time, often used for cooking, exercise, or reminders. In Japanese, the most common word is タイマー, but other terms like キッチンタイマー or ストップウォッチ are used for specific types. The verb 'to time' is expressed with 計る or タイマーをセットする.
A device or app that counts down from a set time and alerts when finished.
The most common and general word for any countdown timer, including kitchen timers, phone timers, etc.
タイマーを5分にセットしてください。
Please set the timer for 5 minutes.
タイマーが鳴ったら火を止めてください。
When the timer goes off, please turn off the heat.
Specifically a kitchen timer, often a physical device used for cooking.
キッチンタイマーが壊れたので、新しいのを買わないと。
My kitchen timer broke, so I need to buy a new one.
A timer that measures elapsed time, often used in sports or experiments.
A stopwatch, used for measuring time intervals, especially in sports.
ストップウォッチでタイムを計った。
I timed it with a stopwatch.
タイマー can also refer to a stopwatch function on a phone or device, though ストップウォッチ is clearer for sports contexts.
A built-in timer on devices like ovens, air conditioners, or lights that turns them on/off after a set time.
Used for the timer function on appliances. Often combined with the device name, e.g., エアコンのタイマー.
エアコンのタイマーを予約して寝る。
I set the air conditioner's timer and go to sleep.
Specifically 'timer function', used when describing features of a device.
このオーブンにはタイマー機能がついています。
This oven has a timer function.
To measure the duration of something using a timer or stopwatch.
General verb meaning 'to measure' time, length, etc. Use with 時間 (time).
時間を計ってください。
Please time it.
ランニングのタイムを計る。
I time my running.
Literally 'set a timer', often used when you want to say 'I'll time it' by setting a countdown.
タイマーをセットして、10分待とう。
Let's set a timer and wait 10 minutes.
時計 (とけい) means 'clock' or 'watch' and is not used for a countdown timer. Use タイマー for timers.
You can attach タイマー to other words to specify the type, e.g., キッチンタイマー (kitchen timer), エッグタイマー (egg timer).
スマホのタイマーでラップを計る。
I measure laps with the timer on my smartphone.