Translation guide
A potentiometer is a variable resistor used to adjust voltage or measure position. In everyday contexts, it often refers to a rotary knob or slider that controls volume, brightness, or other settings.
The physical electronic component used to adjust resistance and voltage in circuits.
The standard technical term for a potentiometer, used in engineering and electronics.
この回路には10kΩのポテンショメータを使います。
We use a 10kΩ potentiometer in this circuit.
Literally 'variable resistor', a broader term that includes potentiometers. Used in technical documentation.
可変抵抗器のつまみを回して電圧を調整します。
Turn the knob of the variable resistor to adjust the voltage.
Often used for potentiometers in audio equipment (volume controls). Can be ambiguous as it also means 'volume' (sound level).
Only use when clearly referring to an audio volume control component.
このアンプのボリュームを交換したい。
I want to replace the volume potentiometer on this amplifier.
The physical knob, dial, or slider that the user turns or moves to adjust a setting like volume, brightness, or speed.
General word for a knob or dial. Very common for volume controls, stove knobs, etc.
音量のつまみを右に回してください。
Turn the volume knob to the right.
明るさのつまみで画面の輝度を調整できます。
You can adjust the screen brightness with the brightness knob.
Often used for round dials with markings, like on a radio or thermostat.
Used for linear sliding controls, common in audio mixers and software interfaces.
Specifically a volume knob. Redundant in many contexts but clear.
ボリュームつまみが壊れた。
The volume knob broke.
A potentiometer used as a sensor to measure linear or angular position, often in industrial or robotics contexts.
Same term as the component, but context clarifies it's used for measurement.
ロボットアームの角度をポテンショメータで検出する。
Detect the angle of the robot arm with a potentiometer.
General term for position sensor; a potentiometer is one type.
この位置センサーはポテンショメータ方式です。
This position sensor is a potentiometer type.
つまみ is the most general word for a knob or dial. ダイヤル implies a round control with markings, often used for tuning or setting. スライダー is specifically a linear sliding control. Use つまみ when unsure.
エアコンの温度調節はダイヤル式です。
The air conditioner's temperature control is a dial type.
ボリューム can mean both the physical knob and the sound level. In technical contexts, clarify with ボリュームつまみ or 音量調整つまみ if needed.
温度調節のダイヤルを回す。
Turn the temperature control dial.
Adjust the volume with the slider.