noun
equipment; machinery and materials
General term for machinery, tools, and materials used in construction, manufacturing, events, or technical work. Often implies both hardware and supplies.
工事に必要な機材をトラックで運んだ。
We transported the equipment needed for the construction work by truck.
イベント会場に音響機材を設置する。
We set up the sound equipment at the event venue.
noun
materials for manufacturing machinery
Narrower, less common sense referring specifically to raw materials or components used to produce machinery. Often encountered in industrial or engineering contexts.
この工場では、工作機械を作るための機材を輸入している。
This factory imports materials for manufacturing machine tools.
Compound of 機 (machine, mechanism) and 材 (material, timber). The combination naturally yields 'machinery and materials' or 'equipment'.