Translation guide
The English word "machine" covers a wide range of devices, from simple mechanical tools to complex electronic systems. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 機械 (kikai), but other words like マシン (mashin) or specific terms are used depending on context. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what kind of machine you mean.
A device with moving parts that uses power to perform a task, such as a factory machine, a washing machine, or a vending machine.
The most common and general word for 'machine'. It refers to any mechanical device, from industrial machinery to household appliances. Safe to use in most contexts.
この機械はどうやって動かすんですか。
How do you operate this machine?
工場には大きな機械がたくさんある。
There are many large machines in the factory.
Loanword from English, often used for specific types of machines, especially in sports, fitness, or when the English name is commonly used (e.g., コーヒーマシン). Sounds slightly more modern or specialized than 機械.
新しいコーヒーマシンを買った。
I bought a new coffee machine.
ジムのマシンでトレーニングする。
I train on the machines at the gym.
A computer, server, or other electronic system, often referred to as a 'machine' in IT contexts.
In IT, 'machine' is commonly translated as マシン, especially for servers, virtual machines, or client machines. 機械 is rarely used for computers.
このマシンはメモリが足りない。
This machine doesn't have enough memory.
仮想マシンを立ち上げる。
Launch a virtual machine.
A car, motorcycle, airplane, or other vehicle, often referred to as a 'machine' in a slightly informal or enthusiastic way.
Used for vehicles, especially in racing, motorcycles, or when emphasizing performance. Sounds cool or technical.
彼は新しいマシンを手に入れた。
He got a new machine (motorcycle/car).
レース用のマシンを開発する。
Develop a racing machine.
General word for 'vehicle'. Use when 'machine' simply means a means of transportation.
A large organization or system that operates in a mechanical or impersonal way, e.g., 'political machine', 'war machine'.
Refers to an organizational structure or mechanism. Often used in compounds like 国家機構 (state machinery).
その政党は巨大な選挙機構を持っている。
That party has a huge political machine.
General word for 'organization'. Use when 'machine' implies a well-organized group.
A person who performs tasks automatically, without emotion or thought.
Describes someone working like a machine. Often used negatively to imply lack of humanity.
彼は機械のように働いている。
He works like a machine.
Means 'like a robot', implying mechanical, emotionless behavior. More casual.
あの選手はロボットみたいに正確だ。
That player is like a machine in precision.
機械 (kikai) is the native Japanese word for machine and is used for most mechanical devices. マシン (mashin) is a loanword that often implies a more modern, specialized, or cool image. For computers and vehicles, マシン is more natural. For factory equipment or household appliances, 機械 is standard.
In English, we often call a computer a 'machine', but in Japanese, 機械 usually refers to physical mechanical devices. For computers, use マシン or コンピューター.
Simply 'computer'. Use when 'machine' is a casual synonym for computer.
このコンピューターは速いね。
This machine is fast, isn't it?
この乗り物は最高だ。
This machine is awesome.
He reformed the company's sales machine.