ハンドル
handoru[hã̠ndo̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "steering wheel" is translated into Japanese as ハンドル (handoru). Wiktionary also lists 操舵輪 (sōdarin) and ステアリング・ホイール (suteiringu-hoīru).
Meaning: wheel-shaped control (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ハンドル | handoru | [hã̠ndo̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 操舵輪 | sōdarin | |
| ステアリング・ホイール | suteiringu-hoīru |
The term refers to the wheel-shaped control used to steer a vehicle.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 操舵輪 (sōdarin) is a technical or formal term used for steering wheels on ships or in highly technical mechanical contexts, rather than in daily driving.
How do you pronounce it?
handoru
Did you know?
- The word ハンドル is an example of 'wasei-eigo', or English words coined in Japan, because it uses 'handle' where English would use 'steering wheel'.
- When driving in Japan, you will often hear instructions to 'turn the handle' (ハンドルを切る), where the verb 'to cut' (kiru) is used instead of 'to turn'.
- In Japanese, ハンドル is used for both the steering wheel of a car and the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle.
Examples in context
- 日本車は、右ハンドルです。Japanese cars have the steering wheel on the right.This sentence is useful for noting the position of the ハンドル in Japanese cars.Tatoeba #11165428 by small_snow, translation #11165396 by gcaplan
- 私は車のハンドルを右に切った。I turned my steering wheel to the right.This sentence shows the action of turning the ハンドル.Tatoeba #156143 by bunbuku, translation #974238 by Skaty
- 雪道で急ハンドルを切っちゃだめだよ。スリップしちゃうから。If you whip the steering wheel around like that on a snowy road, the car is going to go into a slide.This sentence warns against turning the ハンドル too sharply on snowy roads.Tatoeba #141958 by small_snow, translation #272612 by CM
- 私の車のハンドルが固くなっています。The steering wheel of my car has become stiff.
- 車のハンドルを左に切れば曲がります。If you turn the steering wheel to the left, you will make a turn.
- ハンドルを切って車の方向を変えてください。Please turn the steering wheel and change the direction of the car.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are in a car together.
- 健太 Kentaハンドルをしっかり握ってね。Handoru o shikkari nigitte ne.Hold the steering wheel firmly, okay?
- 結衣 Yuiわかった、気を付けるよ。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru yo.Got it, I'll be careful.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、少し右にハンドルを切って。Yui, sukoshi migi ni handoru o kitte.Yui, turn the steering wheel to the right a little.
- 結衣 Yuiこんな感じかな？Konna kanji kana?Is it something like this?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “steering wheel” translations and entries ハンドル, 操舵輪, ステアリング・ホイール, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
