Translation guide
A large horizontal beam, usually made of steel or concrete, that supports the structure of a building or bridge.
The primary meaning: a large beam supporting a floor, roof, or bridge deck.
The most common and general term for a girder or beam in construction and engineering. Can refer to beams of various materials.
The bridge girders are damaged.
鉄骨の桁を組み立てる。
Assemble the steel girders.
Specifically a large horizontal beam in building frames, often contrasted with smaller beams (小梁). Common in architectural and structural contexts.
この建物の大梁は鉄筋コンクリート製です。
The girders of this building are made of reinforced concrete.
Loanword from English 'girder', used in technical or engineering contexts, especially for steel girders.
ガーダー橋の設計を学ぶ。
Study the design of girder bridges.
A compound term combining 桁 and 梁, used in technical specifications to emphasize the beam function.
桁梁のたわみを計算する。
Calculate the deflection of the girder.
When referring to the main horizontal support in a bridge.
Specifically a bridge girder. The most natural term when talking about bridge structures.
古い橋桁を取り替える工事が行われている。
Work is underway to replace the old bridge girders.
Phrase meaning 'girder of a bridge', using the general term 桁 with 橋.
橋の桁にひびが入っている。
There is a crack in the bridge girder.
桁 (けた) is a general term for any horizontal beam, including girders, joists, and lintels. 梁 (はり) is a broader term for beam, but in compound words like 大梁 (おおばり) it specifically means a large beam or girder. In everyday language, 桁 is more common for girders, while 梁 is often used in architectural contexts.
ガーダー is a direct loanword and is understood in engineering fields, but 桁 or 橋桁 are more natural in general Japanese. Use ガーダー when discussing specific types like 'plate girder' (プレートガーダー) or 'box girder' (箱桁, はこげた).