Translation guide
A device that turns a liquid or solid into vapor, often for inhalation or humidification. In Japanese, the term depends heavily on what is being vaporized and the context (medical, recreational, household).
A handheld or desktop device that heats a substance (liquid, wax, dry herb) to produce vapor for inhalation, without combustion.
The most common loanword for a vaporizer used for inhalation, especially in the context of e-cigarettes or cannabis. Widely understood among younger people and in specialty shops.
新しいヴェポライザーを買った。
I bought a new vaporizer.
Literally 'electronic cigarette'. Often used for nicotine vaporizers, but can refer to any vape pen. Note that this term may imply a device that looks like a cigarette.
電子タバコは普通のタバコより害が少ないと言われている。
E-cigarettes are said to be less harmful than regular cigarettes.
The English word 'vape' used as a loanword. Common in marketing and among enthusiasts. Often written in Latin alphabet or katakana.
最近、VAPEを吸う人が増えている。
Recently, more people are using vapes.
Specifically refers to 'heat-not-burn' tobacco products like IQOS. Not a general vaporizer for liquids or herbs.
加熱式タバコは煙が出ないので室内でも使える。
Heated tobacco products don't produce smoke, so they can be used indoors.
A device that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist for inhalation, often used for asthma or respiratory conditions.
General term for an inhaler or nebulizer. In a medical context, this is the standard word.
喘息の治療に吸入器を使っています。
I use a nebulizer for asthma treatment.
Loanword specifically for a medical nebulizer. Common in hospitals and clinics.
A device that adds moisture to the air or disperses essential oils, often ultrasonic or steam-based.
Standard word for a humidifier. If the device is primarily for adding moisture to a room, this is the correct term.
冬は加湿器をつけて乾燥を防ぐ。
In winter, I use a humidifier to prevent dryness.
Specifically an aroma diffuser, often using water and essential oils. Not for nicotine or medicine.
アロマディフューザーでラベンダーの香りを楽しむ。
Enjoy the scent of lavender with an aroma diffuser.
Ultrasonic humidifier, a specific type. Often used when distinguishing from steam or evaporative models.
超音波式加湿器は静かで電気代が安い。
Ultrasonic humidifiers are quiet and cheap to run.
A piece of equipment that vaporizes chemicals for analysis or processing.
Technical term for a vaporizer in engineering or chemistry. Not used for consumer products.
気化器を使って液体を気体に変える。
Use a vaporizer to turn liquid into gas.
Evaporator, often used in industrial contexts like refrigeration or desalination. Slightly different nuance from vaporizer.
この装置の蒸発器は効率が良い。
The evaporator in this device is efficient.
The English word 'vaporizer' covers many devices. In Japanese, you must specify the type: 吸入器 for medical, 加湿器 for humidifier, ヴェポライザー for recreational vapes. Using the wrong word can cause confusion.
加湿器をヴェポライザーと言わないでください。
Don't call a humidifier a vaporizer.
ヴェポライザー is the broadest term for a vaporizer device. 電子タバコ often implies a cigarette-like shape and nicotine use. VAPE is trendy and used for both devices and the act of vaping. In casual conversation, VAPE is common among young people.
ヴェポライザーでリキッドを吸う。
I vape e-liquid with a vaporizer.
電子タバコはニコチン入りが多い。
E-cigarettes often contain nicotine.
Inhale the medicine with a nebulizer.