Translation guide
In Japanese, 'vending machine' is most commonly expressed as 自動販売機 (jidōhanbaiki), often shortened to 自販機 (jihanki) in casual speech. Vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan, selling a wide variety of items beyond drinks.
The learner wants to refer to a machine that sells goods automatically, typically drinks, snacks, or tickets.
The standard, formal term for any vending machine. Used in official contexts, signs, and writing.
駅に自動販売機があります。
There is a vending machine at the station.
この自動販売機は飲み物を売っています。
This vending machine sells drinks.
Common abbreviation of 自動販売機. Very frequent in everyday conversation. Slightly casual but widely understood.
自販機でコーヒーを買った。
I bought a coffee from a vending machine.
あそこに自販機があるよ。
There's a vending machine over there.
The learner wants to specify what kind of vending machine, e.g., for drinks, tickets, or cigarettes.
Attach the item sold to の自動販売機. For example, 飲み物の自動販売機 (drink vending machine), 切符の自動販売機 (ticket vending machine).
飲み物の自動販売機はどこですか？
Where is the drink vending machine?
たばこの自動販売機は成人専用です。
Cigarette vending machines are for adults only.
Specifically a ticket vending machine, commonly found at train stations and restaurants.
自販機 (jihanki) is perfectly acceptable in most daily conversations. Use 自動販売機 in formal writing or when clarity is needed.
券売機で切符を買ってください。
Please buy a ticket at the ticket machine.