Translation guide
The English word 'automobile' is a formal term for a car. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 車 (kuruma), but there are several other words depending on formality and context.
The most common, everyday word for a car or automobile.
The standard, everyday word for 'car' or 'automobile'. Used in most situations.
新しい車を買いました。
I bought a new car.
車で行きましょう。
Let's go by car.
A more formal or technical term for 'automobile'. Often used in official contexts, signs, and compound words.
自動車保険に加入する。
To take out automobile insurance.
この道路は自動車専用です。
This road is for automobiles only.
Specifically a passenger car, not a truck or commercial vehicle.
Literally 'passenger vehicle'. Used to distinguish regular cars from trucks, buses, etc.
乗用車とトラックが衝突した。
A passenger car and a truck collided.
Used in very formal, legal, or industry contexts, similar to 'automobile' in English.
As above, 自動車 is the direct equivalent of 'automobile' in formal contexts.
自動車産業は日本の主要産業です。
The automobile industry is a major industry in Japan.
Literally 'four-wheeled vehicle'. Sometimes used in technical or legal contexts to distinguish from motorcycles.
車 (kuruma) is the everyday word for 'car'. 自動車 (jidousha) is more formal and often used in compound words like 自動車保険 (automobile insurance) or 自動車学校 (driving school). In casual conversation, 車 is almost always preferred.
Using 自動車 in casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal. Stick to 車 unless the context requires technical precision.
四輪車の運転免許を取得する。
To obtain a driver's license for four-wheeled vehicles.