増幅
zōfuku[d͡zo̞ːɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟]
The English word 'amplification' is translated into Japanese as 増幅 (zōfuku).
増幅 refers to the result of amplifying something. In technical contexts such as electronics, the word for an 'amplifier' (the device itself) is 増幅器.
Meaning: result of amplifying (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 増, meaning increase or add and 幅, meaning width, range or amplitude. Literally, it means to increase the amplitude or range.
How do you pronounce it?
zōfuku
Did you know?
- In Japanese music culture, the loanword アンプ is so dominant that using the formal 増幅器 in a guitar shop might make a speaker sound like a textbook rather than a musician.
- Japanese has a specific distinction for 'amplifying' a voice through a megaphone, using 拡声. This uses a different kanji for 'expand' than the one used in electronic signal amplification.
- In Japanese social contexts, 'amplifying' a situation or a problem is often expressed as 増幅させる, though it frequently carries a more negative connotation of making a conflict worse than in English.
Examples in context
- 音声の増幅が必要です。Sound amplification is necessary.
- シグナルの強化が必要です。Signal amplification is necessary.
- 信号の増幅が必要です。Shingō no zōfuku ga hitsuyō desu.Amplification of the signal is necessary.
- 回路による増幅を確認しました。Kairo ni yoru zōfuku o kakunin shimashita.I confirmed the amplification by the circuit.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing an electronic component in a lab.
- 美咲 Misakiこの回路の増幅はどうですか？Kono kairo no zōfuku wa dō desu ka?How is the amplification of this circuit?
- 蓮 Renかなり安定していますね。Kanari antei shite imasu ne.It is quite stable, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんの設計は素晴らしいです。Ren-san no sekkei wa subarashii desu.Ren's design is wonderful.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 増幅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
