装備
sōbi[so̞ːbʲi]
The English word "equipment" can be translated into Japanese, and the default form is 装備 (sōbi). Wiktionary also lists 設備 (setsubi).
Meaning: whatever is used in equipping (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 装備 | sōbi | [so̞ːbʲi] (narrow) |
| 設備 | setsubi | [se̞t͡sɨbʲi] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for "equipment" depending on whether you are talking about fixed facilities, personal gear or technical devices.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what kind of equipment is being discussed. 設備 refers to fixed installations, facilities or large-scale systems such as plumbing or electrical equipment. In contrast, 装備 refers to portable gear, clothing or tools that a person carries or wears, such as military gear or hiking equipment. For specific technical devices or machinery, the term 機器 is often used as a middle ground between fixed installations and personal gear.
How do you pronounce it?
sōbi
Did you know?
- While 装備 refers to gear you wear or carry, the term is heavily associated with 'loadouts' in Japanese gaming culture, describing the specific set of items a character equips.
- The word 設備 likely owes its existence to the Meiji era's rapid modernization, where scholars repurposed Chinese characters to translate Western technical concepts.
- In historical contexts, 装備 was used to describe the specific armor and weaponry a samurai would 'equip' for battle.
Examples in context
- 電器設備に近づかないように。Keep away from the electrical equipment.This sentence uses 設備.Tatoeba #124860 by tommy__san, translation #279133 by CK
- ネットワーク機器を設備するTo provide or furnish with networking equipment
- そんな装備で大丈夫か？Are you okay with that equipment?This sentence uses 装備.Tatoeba #909141 by Lin, translation #10208943 by dnjst
- 会議室に必要な備品は全部揃っていますか？Do we have all the necessary equipment/supplies in the conference room?
- 弊社のオフィスには最新の設備が整っています。Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
- スポーツクラブに行くために、運動グッズを持ってきた。I brought my sports equipment to go to the sports club.
- この料理のために特別な道具が必要です。Special equipment/tools are necessary for this dish.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are preparing for a hiking trip.
- 陽太 Yota新しい登山用の装備は揃った？Atarashii tozan-yō no sōbi wa sorotta?Did you get all the new hiking equipment?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、装備は完璧だよ。Un, sōbi wa kanpeki da yo.Yeah, the equipment is perfect.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵なら、それがあれば安心だね。Himari nara, sore ga areba anshin da ne.If you have that, you'll be fine, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太も、準備を忘れないでね。Yōta mo, junbi o wasurenaide ne.You too, Yota, don't forget to prepare.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “equipment” translations and entries 装備, 設備, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 設備, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
