Translation guide
The English word 'indicator' covers a wide range of meanings, from physical devices and gauges to abstract signs and signals. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese equivalents by meaning, focusing on common, natural expressions for English-speaking learners.
A physical gauge, meter, light, or display that indicates a value or condition.
General term for a display or indicator device, such as a screen or panel that shows information.
温度表示器が故障した。
The temperature indicator broke.
Refers specifically to a needle or pointer on a dial gauge, like a speedometer needle.
Something that serves as a sign, clue, or evidence of a situation, often used in economics, health, or analysis.
A substance used in tests to reveal the presence or level of something, like litmus paper or pH indicators.
The flashing light on a car or motorcycle that signals a turn or lane change.
Someone or something that directs attention or gives information, like a pointer or guide.
A person who gives directions or instructions; an indicator in the sense of a guide.
彼は道案内の指示者として働いた。
He worked as an indicator for directions.
指標 (shihyō) is a formal, often numerical indicator like an economic index. 兆候 (chōkō) implies a sign or symptom, often of something developing. 目安 (meyasu) is a rough standard or guideline for practical decisions.
失業率は景気の指標だ。
The unemployment rate is an indicator of the economy.
咳は風邪の兆候だ。
A cough is an indicator of a cold.
一日の目安は2000カロリーです。
The daily indicator is 2000 calories.
Common loanword for 'indicator' in technical or mechanical contexts, like a car's turn signal or a status light.
車のインジケーターが点滅している。
The car's indicator is flashing.
The speedometer's needle went off the scale.
An index, benchmark, or key indicator used in statistics, economics, or performance measurement.
GDPは経済の重要な指標だ。
GDP is an important indicator of the economy.
A sign or symptom, often of something negative or a change, like an early indicator of disease or trouble.
この症状は病気の兆候かもしれない。
This symptom might be an indicator of illness.
A rough standard, guideline, or yardstick; a practical indicator for making judgments.
合格の目安は70点です。
The indicator for passing is 70 points.
Metaphorical use, like 'barometer' in English, for something that indicates changes in a situation.
株価は景気のバロメーターだ。
Stock prices are a barometer of the economy.
Standard term for a chemical indicator, such as phenolphthalein or litmus.
この指示薬は酸性で赤くなる。
This indicator turns red in acid.
Also used in chemistry contexts, especially in lab settings.
pHインジケーターを使って中和点を確認する。
Use a pH indicator to check the neutralization point.
Formal term for a vehicle's turn signal. Often shortened in casual speech.
右折する前に方向指示器を出してください。
Please use your indicator before turning right.
Common casual term for turn signal, widely used in everyday conversation.
ウインカーを出さずに車線変更するのは危ない。
Changing lanes without using your indicator is dangerous.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'something that points out', used when no specific noun fits.
この矢印は出口を指し示すものだ。
This arrow is an indicator of the exit.
The direct katakana インディケーター is rarely used. Stick to インジケーター or the specific Japanese terms above.
The direct katakana インディケーター is rarely used. Stick to インジケーター or the specific Japanese terms above.