Translation guide
The English word "instrument" covers a wide range of meanings, from musical tools to scientific devices and even abstract means. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents for English-speaking learners, organized by practical meaning.
A device created or adapted to make musical sounds.
The standard word for any musical instrument. Use this in almost all contexts.
彼は三つの楽器を演奏できる。
He can play three instruments.
どの楽器を弾きますか。
What instrument do you play?
A tool or implement, especially for delicate or scientific work.
General term for instruments, apparatus, or utensils. Often used for medical, laboratory, or measuring devices.
Something used to achieve a result; an agency or medium.
The most common word for 'means' or 'instrument' in an abstract sense. Used for methods, ways, or tools to accomplish something.
A formal legal document, such as a contract, deed, or will.
A written instrument that serves as evidence of a legal act, like a deed or bond.
A person used by another to accomplish a purpose, often unwillingly or unknowingly.
These three words all translate to 'instrument' but have distinct nuances. 器具 (きぐ) is the broadest, covering tools, utensils, and apparatus. 器械 (きかい) implies a mechanical or precision device, often with moving parts. 計器 (けいき) is specifically a measuring instrument or gauge. Use 器具 for general medical or lab instruments, 器械 for machines, and 計器 for meters and indicators.
The loanword インストゥルメント is rarely used in Japanese and sounds unnatural. Stick to the native Japanese words above.
バイオリンは習得が難しい楽器だ。
The violin is a difficult instrument to master.
外科医の器具は消毒された。
The surgeon's instruments were sterilized.
教育は社会変革の手段である。
Education is an instrument of social change.
この実験には特殊な器具が必要だ。
This experiment requires special instruments.
歯科医は器具を消毒した。
The dentist sterilized the instruments.
Often refers to mechanical or precision instruments, machines, or apparatus. Slightly more technical than 器具.
この器械は血圧を測定する。
This instrument measures blood pressure.
Specifically a measuring instrument or gauge, like a meter or indicator.
パイロットは計器を確認した。
The pilot checked the instruments.
言語はコミュニケーションの手段だ。
Language is an instrument of communication.
彼は目的のためには手段を選ばない。
He uses any instrument to achieve his goals.
Literally 'tool', but can be used metaphorically for an instrument or means, often with a slightly concrete nuance.
彼は単なる道具に過ぎない。
He is merely an instrument.
彼は抵当権設定証書に署名した。
He signed the mortgage instrument.
General word for document; can be used for legal instruments in context.
法的文書を作成する。
To draw up a legal instrument.
Refers to a person used as a tool or pawn, often in a negative sense.
彼は敵の手先だった。
He was an instrument of the enemy.
As above, can be used for a person treated as a mere tool.
彼女は彼を自分の野心の道具として利用した。
She used him as an instrument of her ambition.