スピードメーター
supīdomētā[sɨpʲiːdo̞me̞ːta̠ː]
The English word 'speedometer' is translated into Japanese as スピードメーター (supīdomētā) or 速度計.
Meaning: a device that measures, and indicates the current speed of a vehicle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| スピードメーター | supīdomētā | [sɨpʲiːdo̞me̞ːta̠ː] (narrow) |
| 速度計 | sokudokei | [so̞kɯ̟do̞ke̞ː] (narrow) |
The word refers to a device that measures and indicates the current speed of a vehicle.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 速度計 is composed of 速度, meaning speed and 計, meaning meter or gauge.
Which one should you use?
スピードメーター is a loanword-based term and is the more common way to say speedometer in everyday conversation. In contrast, 速度計 is the formal or technical term, often used in scientific or official contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
supīdomētā
Did you know?
- Some Japanese drivers use the term メーターを回す, meaning 'to spin the meter', as a slang expression for driving at dangerously high speeds.
- The kanji 速 in 速度計 is also the root of the word 速報, which refers to a 'news flash' or 'breaking news' because it is information delivered at high speed.
- The kanji 計 used in 速度計 is also the foundational character in 計画, which means 'plan' or 'project'.
Examples in context
- トムは速度計を見た。Tom looked at the speedometer.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the form 速度計.Tatoeba #3362361 by arnab, translation #3122137 by CK
- スピードメーターはクルマの大切なパーツだよ。The speedometer is an important part of a car.
- スピードメーターが壊れている。supiido meetaa ga kowarete iru.The speedometer is broken.
- スピードメーターの数字を確認してください。supiido meetaa no suuji o kakunin shite kudasai.Please check the numbers on the speedometer.
Example conversation
Ren is driving a car and Yui is checking the dashboard.
- 蓮 Renスピードメーターはどうなっている？supiido meetaa wa dou natte iru?How is the speedometer looking?
- 結衣 Yui少しスピードが出すぎているよ。sukoshi supiido ga desugite iru yo.You are going a bit too fast.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ、すぐに落とすよ。hontou da, sugu ni otosu yo.You're right, I'll slow down immediately.
- 結衣 Yui蓮なら大丈夫だと思う。Ren nara daijoubu da to omou.I think you'll be fine, Ren.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speedometer” translations and entries スピードメーター, 速度計, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
