Translation guide
The English word "conductor" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the person who directs an orchestra, the person who collects fares on a bus or train, and the material that allows electricity or heat to flow.
The person who stands in front of an orchestra or choir and directs the performance.
The standard term for an orchestra or choir conductor. It literally means 'one who directs/commands'.
He is a famous conductor.
その指揮者はオーケストラを巧みに導いた。
The conductor skillfully led the orchestra.
Borrowed from Italian, used as an honorific title for a respected conductor, especially in classical music contexts.
マエストロ、素晴らしい演奏でした。
Maestro, that was a wonderful performance.
The person on a bus or train who checks tickets, collects fares, and assists passengers.
The standard term for a conductor on a train or bus. Historically common, but now many trains have only a driver (ワンマン運転).
車掌が切符を確認しています。
The conductor is checking tickets.
バスの車掌は乗客を案内した。
The bus conductor guided the passengers.
Sometimes used for attendants on luxury trains or buses, but less common than 車掌.
寝台列車のアテンダントが飲み物を提供した。
The sleeper train attendant served drinks.
A material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily.
The general term for a conductor of electricity or heat. Often used in compound words like 半導体 (semiconductor).
銅は電気の良い導体です。
Copper is a good conductor of electricity.
この金属は熱の導体として使われる。
This metal is used as a conductor of heat.
A slightly more formal or technical term for a conductor, emphasizing transmission. Often used in physics.
These three words are completely different in Japanese and are not interchangeable. Use 指揮者 for music, 車掌 for transportation, and 導体 for physics. Using the wrong one will cause confusion.
彼は指揮者になりたい。
He wants to be a conductor (of an orchestra).
彼は車掌になりたい。
He wants to be a conductor (on a train).
The loanword コンダクター is sometimes used in technical contexts (e.g., lightning conductor) but is not natural for orchestra or bus conductors. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
Silver is one of the best electrical conductors.