バッテリー
batterī[ba̠t̚te̞ɾʲiː]
The Japanese word for battery is バッテリー (batterī) or 電池.
Meaning: device storing electricity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| バッテリー | batterī | [ba̠t̚te̞ɾʲiː] (narrow) |
| 電池 | denchi | [dẽ̞ɲ̟t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to a device that stores electricity, but they are used in different contexts depending on the type of battery being discussed.
Which one should you use?
電池 is typically used for small, replaceable batteries like AA or AAA cells. In contrast, バッテリー is typically used for larger, rechargeable battery packs, such as those found in smartphones or laptops.
How do you pronounce it?
batterī
Did you know?
- In Japan, the phrase 'charging the battery' (充電) is often used metaphorically to describe a person taking a nap or resting to recover their energy.
- The word 電池 literally translates to 'electricity pool' or 'electricity pond', reflecting an image of energy being stored in a reservoir.
- When a battery is 'dead' in English, Japanese speakers often say it has 'cut' (切れた), as if a physical thread or connection has been snapped.
Examples in context
- 電池が切れた。The battery is flat.This sentence is useful for saying that a 電池 has run out.Tatoeba #1606820 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #1042256 by yessoos
- バッテリーが切れた。The battery gave out.This sentence is useful for saying that a バッテリー has run out.Tatoeba #197958 by bunbuku, translation #35147 by CK
- 電池が切れちゃった。My battery ran out.This sentence is useful for expressing that a 電池 has run out.Tatoeba #10778320 by small_snow, translation #10104435 by DJ_Saidez
- 私は新しいバッテリーを必要としています。I need a new battery.
- このリモコンの電池が切れています。The batteries in this remote control are dead.
- 電池交換は可能ですか？Is it possible to replace the battery?
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are at a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaバッテリーが残り少ないな。Batterī ga nokori sukunai na.My battery is running low.
- 結衣 Yui充電器を貸そうか？Jūdenki o kasō ka?Shall I lend you a charger?
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。助かるよ。Arigatō. Tasukaru yo.Thanks. That helps.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。はい、どうぞ。Ii yo. Hai, dōzo.Sure. Here you go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “battery” translations and entries バッテリー, 電池, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
