Translation guide
The English word 'automaton' refers to a self-operating machine or a mechanical figure that mimics a living being. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through several terms depending on whether you mean a historical mechanical doll, a modern robot, or a theoretical self-operating machine.
A mechanical device made to resemble a human or animal and perform actions, often from historical contexts.
The most common and natural term for a traditional Japanese mechanical doll or automaton. 'Karakuri' refers to mechanical devices, and 'ningyō' means doll.
江戸時代のからくり人形は茶を運ぶことができた。
Edo-period automata could carry tea.
A direct loanword from English, used in artistic or historical contexts to refer to Western-style automata. Less common than 'karakuri ningyō' for Japanese items.
その美術館には18世紀のオートマタが展示されている。
The museum exhibits 18th-century automata.
Literally 'automatic doll', this term is less common and may be used in technical descriptions or translations. 'Karakuri ningyō' is preferred in cultural contexts.
自動人形の仕組みは非常に精巧だ。
The mechanism of the automaton is very intricate.
A machine that operates by itself, often used in theoretical or computer science contexts.
The standard loanword for 'automaton' in mathematics, computer science, and theoretical contexts (e.g., finite automaton). Widely understood in technical fields.
有限オートマトンは計算理論の基礎だ。
Finite automata are fundamental to computation theory.
A general term meaning 'automatic machine'. It can be used for any self-operating device but is less specific than 'ōtomaton' in academic contexts.
この工場では自動機械が組み立てを行っている。
In this factory, automatic machines do the assembly.
Means 'automatic device' or 'automated apparatus'. It can refer to an automaton in a broad sense but is more commonly used for industrial or mechanical systems.
その自動装置は人間の介入なしに動く。
The automatic device operates without human intervention.
A machine resembling a human and capable of autonomous movement, often in science fiction.
The most common word for any robot or mechanical humanoid. While not a direct translation of 'automaton', it is often the best choice when referring to modern or futuristic self-operating humanoid machines.
そのロボットは人間のように歩く。
The robot walks like a human.
Use からくり人形 for traditional Japanese mechanical dolls, especially from the Edo period. オートマタ is for Western historical automata, often in museum contexts. ロボット is the everyday word for modern robots and is safe for most sci-fi or tech contexts.
からくり人形は日本の伝統工芸です。
Karakuri dolls are a traditional Japanese craft.
オートマタはヨーロッパで人気がありました。
Automata were popular in Europe.
最新のロボットはとても賢い。
The latest robots are very smart.
The English word 'automaton' is not commonly used in everyday Japanese. Using オートマトン outside of computer science or mathematics may sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate term based on context: からくり人形 for historical dolls, ロボット for modern machines, or オートマトン for theoretical concepts.
そのからくり人形は笛で曲を演奏した。
The automaton played a tune on the flute.
セルオートマトンはシミュレーションに使われる。
Cellular automata are used in simulations.
Literally 'artificial human', used for androids or humanoid robots in science fiction. It carries a nuance of being created in a lab, similar to an automaton.
その映画では人造人間が感情を持ち始める。
In that movie, the automaton begins to have emotions.
Loanword for 'android', specifically a robot with human appearance. Use when the automaton is distinctly human-like.
彼女はアンドロイドと人間の違いを見分けられなかった。
She couldn't tell the difference between the android and a human.