Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'accessory' depends on what kind of accessory you mean. Fashion accessories like jewelry, bags, and scarves are usually アクセサリー. Small decorative items attached to something (like phone straps or keychains) are often アクセサリ or 付属品. Accessories that are part of a machine or device are 付属品 or アクセサリー. For a person who assists or accompanies someone, use 付き添い or アクセサリー (metaphorically).
The most common meaning: items worn or carried to complement an outfit.
The standard loanword for fashion accessories. Covers jewelry, belts, hats, bags, etc. Very common and natural.
彼女はいつも素敵なアクセサリーをつけている。
She always wears nice accessories.
この店ではハンドメイドのアクセサリーを販売しています。
This shop sells handmade accessories.
A more formal or written term for decorative items, including fashion accessories. Not as common in everyday speech.
この博物館には古代の装飾品が展示されている。
Ancient accessories are displayed in this museum.
A small decorative or functional item that is attached to something else, like a phone, bag, or keychain.
Often used for small attachable items, especially in product names or tech contexts (e.g., phone accessories). Slightly different nuance from アクセサリー.
スマホのアクセサリを買いに行く。
I'm going to buy a smartphone accessory.
Literally 'attached item'. Used for accessories that come with a product, or small attachable parts. Can sound technical.
Specifically a strap, often used for phones, cameras, or bags. A type of accessory.
An item that is used with a main device, often functional rather than decorative.
The most common term for accessories that come with or are used for a device. Neutral and widely understood.
パソコンの付属品を確認してください。
Please check the computer accessories.
Specifically 'peripheral device' for computers. More technical.
A person who is an accessory to someone else, often in a legal or figurative sense.
A person who accompanies someone, like an attendant or chaperone. Not necessarily negative.
彼女は病人の付き添いで病院にいる。
She is at the hospital as an attendant for the patient.
A person who helps in a crime but is not the main perpetrator.
Legal term for an accessory to a crime. Formal.
彼は強盗の従犯として逮捕された。
He was arrested as an accessory to the robbery.
Specifically 'aider and abettor'. Very technical legal term.
ほう助者として起訴された。
He was indicted as an accessory.
アクセサリー is the default for fashion items and is also used for device accessories in casual contexts. 付属品 is more technical and emphasizes that the item is attached or included with something. For small attachable items like phone charms, アクセサリ (without the long vowel) is common in product names.
このバッグはアクセサリーとしても使える。
This bag can also be used as an accessory.
付属品のリストを確認する。
Check the list of accessories.
While アクセサリー is versatile, using it for a person (as an attendant) can sound odd or metaphorical. For legal contexts, use 従犯. For machine parts, 付属品 is safer in formal writing.
このカメラにはたくさんの付属品がついている。
This camera comes with many accessories.
携帯にストラップをつける。
I attach a strap to my mobile phone.
Also used for device accessories, especially in marketing. Slightly less technical than 付属品.
ゲーム機のアクセサリーが豊富だ。
There is a wide range of accessories for the game console.
周辺機器を接続する。
Connect the peripheral devices.
Metaphorical use, like 'she's just an accessory to his success'. Can sound derogatory.
彼は社長の単なるアクセサリーに過ぎない。
He is nothing more than an accessory to the president.