Translation guide
The English word 'equipment' covers a wide range of tools, devices, and gear. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what kind of equipment you mean. This guide helps you choose the right word for everyday items, specialized gear, sports equipment, and more.
You want to refer to equipment in a broad sense—tools, devices, or gear used for a particular purpose.
A general term for equipment, devices, and apparatus, often used in technical or office contexts. It refers to machines and instruments collectively.
新しい機器を導入した。
We introduced new equipment.
医療機器のメンテナンスが必要だ。
The medical equipment needs maintenance.
Refers to a device, apparatus, or installation, often larger or more complex. Common in scientific, industrial, or mechanical contexts.
Refers to fixtures, fittings, or supplies—items that are part of a facility or office. Often used for non-mechanical items like furniture, tools, or stationery.
Means 'tool' or 'implement'. Can be used for equipment in a hands-on, practical sense, but is less formal and more like 'gear' or 'kit'.
You're talking about equipment used for sports or outdoor activities.
The standard term for sports equipment or gear. Used for items like balls, rackets, protective gear, etc.
You're referring to equipment like TVs, speakers, cameras, or computers.
Again, 機器 is the go-to term for electronic devices and apparatus. Often combined with a prefix like 音響機器 (audio equipment) or 映像機器 (video equipment).
You mean large machines used in construction, farming, or industry.
Short for 重機械, meaning heavy machinery. Used for bulldozers, cranes, excavators, etc.
You're talking about weapons, gear, and supplies used by armed forces.
The standard term for military equipment, including weapons, uniforms, and gear. Also used as a verb 'to equip'.
You want to refer to a collection of items needed for a specific task or activity, like a first-aid kit or tool kit.
機器 (kiki) is the most general term for equipment/devices, often electronic. 装置 (sōchi) implies a larger apparatus or installation. 機材 (kizai) is often used for hardware, especially in media/IT. For everyday 'equipment', 機器 is safest.
The direct loanword イクイップメント is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
新しいオフィス機器を買う必要がある。
We need to buy new office equipment.
そのジムにはたくさんのトレーニング器具がある。
The gym has a lot of exercise equipment.
器具 (kigu) is also used for fitness equipment.
始める前に安全装置を確認してください。
Please check the safety equipment before starting.
This equipment operates automatically.
実験装置を組み立てた。
We assembled the experimental equipment.
I ordered office equipment.
学校の備品をチェックする。
Check the school equipment.
キャンプ道具を車に積んだ。
We loaded the camping equipment into the car.
スポーツ用具を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy sports equipment.
スキー用具をレンタルした。
I rented ski equipment.
Means 'equipment' in the sense of gear or outfit, often for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, or military use. Implies a set of items you carry or wear.
登山の装備を整える。
Prepare the climbing equipment.
キャンプの装備をチェックした。
I checked the camping equipment.
Loanword from English 'gear', used in casual or trendy contexts for sports or outdoor gear. Often seen in marketing.
新しいランニングギアを買った。
I bought new running gear.
We installed audio equipment.
この部屋には最新の映像機器がある。
This room has the latest video equipment.
Refers to equipment, especially machinery or hardware. Common in music, broadcasting, and IT. Slightly more concrete than 機器.
スタジオの機材を運んだ。
We carried the studio equipment.
撮影機材を準備する。
Prepare the filming equipment.
工事現場に重機が入った。
Heavy equipment was brought to the construction site.
Literally 'construction machinery'. A formal term for construction equipment.
建設機械のレンタル会社を探している。
I'm looking for a construction equipment rental company.
兵士たちは新しい装備を受け取った。
The soldiers received new equipment.
Specifically means 'weapons' or 'arms'. Use when equipment refers to weaponry.
最新の兵器を導入する。
Introduce the latest military equipment.
Means 'a set' or 'complete set'. Often used as a suffix: ～一式. Very natural for kits.
救急セット一式を買った。
I bought a first-aid kit (equipment set).
釣り道具一式を持ってきた。
I brought my fishing equipment (the whole set).
Loanword meaning 'set' or 'kit'. Very common for packaged equipment.
この工具セットは便利だ。
This tool set (equipment) is handy.