Translation guide
The English word "contrivance" can refer to a clever device, a scheme, or the act of inventing something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A physical object or mechanical device that is cleverly designed, often for a specific purpose.
Refers to a clever idea, device, or ingenuity. Often used for simple, practical solutions.
彼は便利な工夫を考え出した。
He came up with a handy contrivance.
A mechanism or device, often with moving parts. Can imply a trick or gimmick.
このおもちゃには面白い仕掛けがある。
This toy has an interesting contrivance.
A device or apparatus, often more formal or technical. Suitable for machinery.
その装置は水を節約するための工夫だ。
That device is a contrivance for saving water.
A plan or scheme, especially one that is artificial, forced, or deceptive.
A stratagem or scheme, often implying cunning or manipulation.
彼の策略はすぐに見破られた。
His contrivance was quickly seen through.
A plan or trick, often used in competitive contexts like war or games.
A plot or scheme, often with a negative or secretive nuance.
The process of creating or inventing something, often with ingenuity.
The act of devising or inventing something, often used for ideas or plans.
その機械の考案には時間がかかった。
The contrivance of the machine took time.
Invention, typically for new devices or technologies. More concrete than 考案.
A plot device or element that feels unnatural or overly convenient, often used in literary criticism.
Literally 'convenience-ism', used for plot contrivances that feel forced or too convenient.
その映画の結末はご都合主義だ。
The movie's ending is a contrivance.
Artificiality or contrivance, often used in literary or artistic contexts to describe something forced.
The English word "contrivance" covers a wide range of meanings. Directly translating it as a single Japanese word often sounds unnatural. Choose the option that best fits the specific nuance.
それは巧妙な計略だった。
It was a clever contrivance.
彼のたくらみは失敗に終わった。
His contrivance ended in failure.
その発明は生活を変えた。
That contrivance changed lives.
The novel feels like a contrivance.