アクセル
akuseru
The English name or word "axel" can be translated into Japanese as アクセル (akuseru).
In an automotive context, アクセル refers to the accelerator pedal. This is distinct from ブレーキ, which is the term used for the brake pedal.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
akuseru
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly pronounce the final 'l' sound, but in Japanese, the word ends with the syllable 'ru' (アクセル).
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the phrase アクセルを踏む (akuseru o fumu) literally means 'to step on the accelerator', but it is used idiomatically to mean 'to speed up' or 'to put more effort' into a non-driving project.
- The word アクセル is actually a shortened version of the English 'accelerator', but it has become its own distinct noun in the Japanese lexicon.
- In Japanese gaming culture, especially in racing games, the term アクセル全開 (akuseru zenkai) is used to mean 'full throttle' or 'giving it everything you have'.
Examples in context
- すみません、お名前はアクセルさんですか？(Sumimasen, o-namae wa Akuseru-san desu ka?)Excuse me, is your name Axel?
- 友達のアクセルが来週日本に来るんだ。(Tomodachi no Akuseru ga raishū Nihon ni kuru nda.)My friend Axel is coming to Japan next week.
- アクセルを強く踏む。akuseru o tsuyoku fumu.Step on the accelerator hard.
- アクセルが効かない。akuseru ga kikanai.The accelerator isn't working.
Example conversation
A passenger is telling the driver to speed up.
- 陽葵 Himariもっとアクセルを踏んで！motto akuseru o funde!Step on the gas more!
- 大翔 Hirotoもう踏んでいるよ。mō funde iru yo.I am already stepping on it.
- 陽葵 Himariもっとスピードを出して。motto supiido o dashite.Please go faster.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかったよ、陽葵。wakatta yo, Himari.I got it, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry アクセル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries アクセル, CC BY-SA 4.0.
