Translation guide
The English word 'invention' can refer to a created device or process, the act of creating something new, or the skill of creative thinking. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a new device, machine, or method that has been invented.
The most common and direct translation for 'invention' as a created thing. Used for devices, machines, and technical innovations.
電話は素晴らしい発明だ。
The telephone is a wonderful invention.
彼の発明は世界を変えた。
His invention changed the world.
Specifically refers to an invented product or article. Slightly more formal or technical.
この発明品は特許を取得している。
This invention is patented.
Referring to the process or action of creating something new.
Can also refer to the act of inventing. Often used with verbs like する (to invent).
新しい技術の発明には時間がかかる。
The invention of new technology takes time.
彼はその装置を発明した。
He invented the device.
A more formal or literary term for invention or original idea. Often used in legal or patent contexts.
Referring to the ability to think of new ideas or the quality of being inventive.
Refers to the power of imagination or creativity, the ability to come up with ideas. Closest to 'inventiveness'.
彼は豊かな発想力を持っている。
He has a rich power of invention.
General creativity, the ability to create. Overlaps with 'invention' when referring to creative capacity.
Ingenuity, resourcefulness, or devising a clever solution. Often used for practical, everyday inventiveness.
Referring to something that is made up, not true.
A made-up story, fabrication. Commonly used for fictional tales or lies.
それは全部作り話だ。
That's all an invention.
A fabrication, trumped-up story. Stronger connotation of a deliberate lie or falsehood.
Fiction, fabrication. More formal or literary, often used in contexts like 'work of fiction'.
The katakana loanword インベンション is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to the Japanese terms above.
This invention is the result of his original research.
芸術には創造力が必要だ。
Art requires invention.
He solved the problem with invention.
その話は完全なでっち上げだった。
The story was a complete invention.
His testimony turned out to be an invention.