Translation guide
A variable resistor is an electronic component whose resistance can be adjusted. In Japanese, the most common term is 可変抵抗器, but shorter forms like 可変抵抗 or ポテンショメータ are also used depending on context.
The learner wants to refer to a variable resistor in a general or technical context.
Standard technical term for a variable resistor. Used in electronics and engineering.
A variable resistor is used in this circuit.
Shorter form of 可変抵抗器, often used in technical documents or when the context is clear.
Please adjust the value of the variable resistor.
Loanword from English 'potentiometer'. Commonly used in electronics, especially for rotary or slider types.
We use a potentiometer for volume control.
Older term derived from 'variohm'. Rarely used today; may appear in historical contexts.
Old radios used variohms.
The learner specifically means a rheostat, often used for current control.
可変抵抗器 is the generic Japanese term, while ポテンショメータ is a loanword often used for variable resistors with three terminals (voltage dividers). In casual conversation among engineers, ポテンショ (potensho) may be used as an abbreviation.
Divide the voltage with a pot.
In informal technical settings, 可変抵抗器 is sometimes shortened to 可変 (kahen) when the context is clear, but this can be ambiguous. ポテンショ is a common abbreviation for ポテンショメータ.
Can also refer to a rheostat in context, but less specific.
This variable resistor operates as a rheostat.