Translation guide
The English word 'battery' covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meaning is a small power source for devices, which is 電池 (denchi). For larger rechargeable batteries like car batteries, use バッテリー (batterī). In legal contexts, 'assault and battery' is 暴行 (bōkō). Other meanings like a set of similar things or artillery unit are less common and have specific translations.
A device that produces electricity to power small electronics like remote controls, toys, or flashlights.
I need to change the batteries in the TV remote. · The battery is dead. · Do you have spare batteries?
The general term for a battery (dry cell, alkaline, etc.). Used for small, often disposable batteries.
リモコンの電池が切れた。
The remote control battery died.
単三電池を買ってきて。
Please buy some AA batteries.
Often used for rechargeable batteries in devices like smartphones, laptops, and cameras. Can also refer to larger batteries like car batteries.
While バッテリー is common for built-in rechargeable batteries, 電池 is still widely understood and used for many small electronics.
A large, rechargeable battery used in vehicles or for power storage.
The crime of physically attacking someone.
A group or series of similar things used together.
A military unit equipped with artillery.
The specific military term for an artillery battery.
砲兵中隊が配置についた。
The artillery battery took up position.
電池 (denchi) typically refers to small, often disposable batteries like AA or AAA cells. バッテリー (batterī) is used for larger, rechargeable batteries such as car batteries or built-in batteries in electronics. However, for rechargeable AA batteries, 充電池 (jūdenchi) is common. In casual conversation, バッテリー is increasingly used for smartphone batteries, but 電池 is still correct and widely understood.
Using バッテリー for a small dry cell battery (like a AA) can sound unnatural. Stick to 電池 for those.
時計の電池を交換しないといけない。
The battery in my watch needs replacing.
彼は暴行罪で起訴された。
He was charged with battery.
スマホのバッテリーがすぐなくなる。
My smartphone battery runs out quickly.
The standard term for a car battery or any large rechargeable battery.
車のバッテリーが上がってしまった。
The car battery died.
バッテリーを充電する必要がある。
I need to charge the battery.
Technical term for a storage battery or accumulator. Used in industrial or energy contexts.
太陽光発電の蓄電池を設置した。
We installed a storage battery for the solar power system.
The legal term for battery (physical assault). Often used in the phrase 'assault and battery'.
彼は暴行罪で逮捕された。
He was arrested for assault and battery.
Means a complete set or suite. Used for a battery of tests or a set of equipment.
一式 is not a direct translation of 'battery' but conveys the idea of a set. For 'a battery of tests', 一連の検査 is more natural.
一連の検査を受けた。
I underwent a battery of tests.
Means 'a series of' or 'a battery of'. Used with nouns like 検査 (tests) or 質問 (questions).
面接で一連の質問をされた。
I was asked a battery of questions in the interview.
In baseball, 'battery' refers to the pitcher and catcher pair. This is a specialized sports term.
このチームのバッテリーは素晴らしい。
This team's battery (pitcher and catcher) is excellent.