Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 電動の | dendō no |
| 電気的な | denkiteki na |
| エレクトリックの | erekutorikku no |
Japanese uses different terms for 'electric' based on whether you are describing a machine powered by a motor or the abstract properties of electricity itself. For example, you might use terms related to electricity when discussing a light bulb (電球) or a microwave oven (電子レンジ). To refer specifically to an electric car, the term 電気自動車 is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 電動 literally means 'electric power' or 'motor-driven'.
Which one should you use?
電動の is typically used for machines or vehicles that are powered by an electric motor, such as an electric bicycle or a motorized tool. In contrast, 電気的な is used to describe things that are related to the nature or properties of electricity, such as an 'electrical charge' or an 'electric atmosphere'. Additionally, the loanword エレクトリックの can be used for 'electric'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 電動の to function as an adjective, the particle の is required to link the noun 電動 to another noun.
How do you pronounce it?
dendō no
Did you know?
- The adjective 電気的な can describe a 'tense' or 'electric' atmosphere in a room, much like in English. However, Japanese also uses しびれる meaning 'to be numb' to describe the physical or emotional thrill of such a moment.
- In Japanese music and guitar culture, the loanword エレクトリック is almost exclusively used for instruments. Using 電動の to describe an electric guitar would sound like you are describing a power tool.
- When referring to 'electric' in the context of a 'shock', Japanese uses 感電 meaning 'feeling electricity'. This suggests a sensory experience rather than just a mechanical failure or accident.
Examples in context
- 電気製品Electric products
- 電気会社Electric company
- 電気工学Electrical engineering
- 電気代Electric bill
- 電動の自転車を使っています。dendou no jitensha o tsukatte imasu.I use an electric bicycle.
- 電動の歯ブラシは便利です。dendou no haburashi wa benri desu.An electric toothbrush is convenient.
- 電動の掃除機を買いました。dendou no soujiki o kaimashita.I bought an electric vacuum cleaner.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about a new tool.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの工具は何ですか？kono kōgu wa nan desu ka?What is this tool?
- 結衣 Yui電動のドライバーです。dendō no doraibā desu.It is an electric screwdriver.
- 大翔 Hiroto使い方は簡単ですか？tsukaikata wa kantan desu ka?Is it easy to use?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても簡単ですよ。hai, totemo kantan desu yo.Yes, it is very easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “electric” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
