マシン
mashin[ma̠ɕĩɴ]
The English word 'machine' can be translated into Japanese as マシン (mashin) or 器械.
Meaning: mechanical or electrical device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| マシン | mashin | [ma̠ɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 器械 | kikai | [kʲi̥ka̠i] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to a mechanical or electrical device. マシン is often used in specific subcultures, such as gaming or car culture, to refer to a vehicle or a high-performance machine. In contrast, 器械 refers to specialized mechanical apparatuses, such as scientific instruments or medical devices.
Which one should you use?
While マシン is often used for high-performance machines or in specific slang contexts, 器械 is a more specific term for instruments or specialized devices. It is important to note that for general industrial machinery or mechanical systems, the kanji-based word 機械 (kikai) is actually the most common standard term.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The related verb 機械加工する means to shape or finish something by machinery.
How do you pronounce it?
mashin
Did you know?
Examples in context
- その手のマシンはまだ発明されていない。That kind of machine is yet to be invented.This sentence shows how to describe a type of machine that has not been invented.Tatoeba #12141490 by small_snow, translation #46733 by CM
- メアリーはタイムマシンを使ってカンニングをした。Mary used her time machine to cheat on the exam.This sentence uses マシン in the context of a time machine.Tatoeba #2484518 by tommy_san, translation #1388254 by Spamster
- カッターマシンがサーモンを切っていた。The cutting machine sliced the salmon.This sentence uses マシン to describe a cutting machine.Tatoeba #2113385 by Blanka_Meduzo, translation #7683110 by Yanahma
- 私は工場で機械を操作しています。I operate machines in the factory.
- この装置は非常に高度な技術を使用しています。This device utilizes highly advanced technology.
- 友達の家でゲーム機を借りました。I borrowed a game console at my friend's house.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a tech workshop, Ren is showing Hiromi a new device.
- 陽葵 Himariこのマシンは、どうやって使うの？Kono mashin wa, dou yatte tsukau no?How do I use this machine?
- 蓮 Renまずは、このボタンを押して。Mazu wa, kono botan o oshite.First, press this button.
- 陽葵 Himariわかった。すごい、音が静かだね。Wakatta. Sugoi, oto ga shizuka da ne.I got it. Wow, it's very quiet.
- 蓮 Ren最新のマシンだから、高性能だよ。Saishin no mashin dakara, kouseinou da yo.It's a high-performance, state-of-the-art machine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “machine” translations and entries マシン, 器械, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries マシン, 器械, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
