Translation guide
The English word 'organ' has several distinct meanings: a body part, a musical instrument, an organization/entity, and a publication. Each requires a different Japanese word. This guide helps learners choose the right one.
Referring to an internal organ of a living body (heart, liver, etc.)
General term for internal organs. Used in medical and everyday contexts.
臓器移植は多くの命を救います。
Organ transplants save many lives.
彼は臓器の提供者になった。
He became an organ donor.
Biological term for an organ as a functional unit. Often used in scientific contexts.
消化器官は食べ物を分解します。
The digestive organs break down food.
Referring to a keyboard instrument that produces sound through pipes or electronics
The standard word for a pipe organ, electronic organ, or similar keyboard instrument.
教会でオルガンを弾くのが好きです。
I like playing the organ at church.
彼女はオルガンの演奏が上手だ。
She is good at playing the organ.
Referring to an official group or body that performs a specific function, often within a larger system
Used for institutions, agencies, or bodies with a specific role, such as government organs or administrative organs.
その機関は環境保護を担当している。
That organ is responsible for environmental protection.
立法機関は法律を制定する。
The legislative organ enacts laws.
A more general word for organization, group, or system. Can be used for any organized body, but '機関' is more precise for official organs.
Referring to a newspaper, magazine, or journal that serves as a mouthpiece for an organization
A publication issued by an organization to communicate its views; literally 'organ paper'.
党の機関紙に記事が掲載された。
The article was published in the party organ.
Similar to 機関紙, often used for magazines or journals. The reading is the same.
Both are read きかん, but 器官 means a biological organ, while 機関 means an institutional organ or engine. Context usually makes it clear, but be careful in writing.
In English, 'organ' can mean a person's voice, especially in a literary sense. In Japanese, this is not directly translated as 臓器 or 機関. Instead, use 声 (こえ) or a descriptive phrase.
彼の力強い声が響いた。
His powerful organ resounded.
Specifically a pipe organ, emphasizing the traditional large instrument with pipes.
その大聖堂には巨大なパイプオルガンがある。
That cathedral has a huge pipe organ.
That organ has an international network.
I subscribe to the academic society's organ.