Translation guide
The English word 'trailer' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a vehicle pulled by another, a preview of a movie or show, and a mobile home. Each meaning uses different Japanese words.
A wheeled container or platform towed behind a vehicle for transporting goods, equipment, or animals.
The most common and general term for any kind of trailer, from small utility trailers to large semi-trailers. A loanword from English.
I hook up a trailer to the back of the car and pull it.
I rented a trailer for moving.
Literally 'towing vehicle', but can refer to the trailer itself in technical contexts. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
Check the coupling of the trailer.
A short promotional video showing highlights of an upcoming film, series, or video game.
The standard term for a movie or TV show trailer. Literally 'preview compilation'.
The trailer for the new movie was released.
Also commonly used for movie/game trailers, especially in casual or online contexts. Often interchangeable with 予告編.
Short for 'promotional video'. Often used for music videos, anime, or game trailers. More common in entertainment industry jargon.
You can watch the anime PV on YouTube.
A large vehicle or towable unit designed for living accommodation, used for travel or temporary housing.
Specifically a camping trailer or caravan. Often shortened to just トレーラー in context.
We travel in a camping trailer during summer vacation.
Both are common, but 予告編 is the traditional Japanese word and feels slightly more formal. トレーラー is a loanword and is very common in casual conversation and online. You can use either in most situations.
Did you see the movie trailer?
While トレーラー is the general word, in some technical or legal contexts, more specific terms like 被牽引車 (ひけんいんしゃ, towed vehicle) may be used. For everyday conversation, トレーラー is fine.
予告編を見て、その映画を観たくなった。
After watching the trailer, I wanted to see the movie.
The latest game trailer is cool.
Refers to a trailer used as a permanent or semi-permanent home, similar to a mobile home. More common in American English contexts.
He lives in a trailer house.
キャンピングカー usually means a motorhome, not a towable trailer. Use キャンピングトレーラー to be clear.
We rented a camper and toured Hokkaido.