Translation guide
The English word "apparatus" can refer to physical equipment, organizational structures, or biological systems. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A set of tools, instruments, or machinery used for a specific purpose, especially in science, medicine, or technical fields.
General term for a device or apparatus, often mechanical or electrical. Common in scientific and industrial contexts.
この実験装置は高価だ。
This experimental apparatus is expensive.
Refers to tools or instruments, often smaller or hand-held, used in laboratories, medicine, or daily life.
実験器具を片付けてください。
Please put away the laboratory apparatus.
Machinery or equipment, often electronic or precision devices. Used in technical and medical fields.
医療機器の操作を学ぶ。
Learn to operate medical apparatus.
Instruments or mechanical devices, often used in medical or scientific contexts. Can overlap with 機器 but slightly more formal or older.
外科医は手術器械を準備した。
The surgeon prepared the surgical apparatus.
The complex structure or system of an organization, government, or political party.
Refers to the organizational structure or mechanism of an institution, government, or system.
政府の官僚機構は複雑だ。
The government's bureaucratic apparatus is complex.
General term for organization, including the structure and the group itself. Can be used for political or administrative apparatus.
System or regime, often implying the established order or structure of power.
A group of organs or parts that work together to perform a specific function in a living organism.
Organ or organ system. Used in anatomy and biology.
呼吸器官は肺を含む。
The respiratory apparatus includes the lungs.
System, often used as a suffix in biological terms (e.g., 神経系 for nervous system).
消化器系の働きを調べる。
Examine the function of the digestive apparatus.
Equipment used in gymnastics, such as vaulting horse, parallel bars, etc.
Specifically used for gymnastics apparatus. Note: same word as medical instruments but context differs.
体操の器械競技。
Gymnastics apparatus events.
Can also refer to gymnastics equipment, though less specific than 器械.
体操器具を設置する。
Set up the gymnastics apparatus.
装置 (そうち) is the most general for mechanical/electrical apparatus. 器具 (きぐ) implies smaller tools or instruments. 機器 (きき) often refers to precision or electronic equipment. Choose based on size and complexity.
In English, "apparatus" can sound formal or bureaucratic. In Japanese, 機構 (きこう) or 組織 (そしき) are natural, but avoid literal translations like アパラタス, which is not used.
Reform the party apparatus.
国家の治安維持体制。
The state's security apparatus.