自動販売機
jidō hanbaiki[d͡ʑido̞ː hã̠mba̠ikʲi]
The English phrase "vending machine" is translated into Japanese as 自動販売機 (jidō hanbaiki). Wiktionary also lists 販売機 (hanbaiki) and 発売機 (hatsubaiki).
Meaning: machine that dispenses merchandise (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 自動販売機 | jidō hanbaiki | [d͡ʑido̞ː hã̠mba̠ikʲi] (narrow) | |
| 販売機 | hanbaiki | ||
| 発売機 | hatsubaiki | ||
| 自販機 | jihanki | [d͡ʑihã̠ŋʲkʲi] (narrow) | abbreviation |
The term refers to a machine that dispenses merchandise.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 自動販売機 is composed of 自動 (automatic), 販売 (selling) and 機 (machine).
Which one should you use?
自販機 is a common abbreviation. While 販売機 literally means "selling machine", it is rarely used on its own to refer to a vending machine without the "automatic" prefix or the abbreviation. 発売機 is another form available.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
自販機 is an abbreviation commonly used in casual conversation instead of the full term 自動販売機.
How do you pronounce it?
jidō hanbaiki
Did you know?
- In Japan, you might find a vending machine for items as unusual as hot corn soup, fresh eggs, or even prepared ramen. This makes the term 自動販売機 much more versatile in daily life than the English concept of a 'vending machine'.
- Japan has one of the highest densities of 自動販売機 in the world, with roughly one machine for every 23 people.
- The kanji 機 in 自動販売機 is the same character used for 'airplane' (飛行機), as both refer to a complex mechanism.
Examples in context
- トムは自販機を探していた。Tom was looking for a vending machine.This sentence shows how to use the abbreviation 自販機.Tatoeba #10659504 by small_snow, translation #2539072 by CK
- この自動販売機は故障しています。This vending machine is out of order.This sentence shows how to use the full term 自動販売機.Tatoeba #221544 by bunbuku, translation #58868 by CK
- この自動販売機、動かないんですが。This vending machine isn't working.Tatoeba #221546 by bunbuku, translation #58870 by CK
- 東京では、ほぼすべての角に自動販売機があります。In Tokyo, you can find jidōhanbaiki on practically every street corner.
- あそこの自販機で飲み物を買いましょう！Let's grab a drink from the jihanki over there!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are walking in a park near a station.
- 健太 Kentaあそこに自動販売機がありますよ。Asoko ni jidouhanbaiki ga arimasu yo.There is a vending machine over there.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、飲み物が欲しいです。A, nomimono ga hoshii desu.Oh, I want a drink.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、あそこで買いましょう。Jaa, asoko de kaishou.Then, let's buy one there.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。助かります。Arigatou gozaimasu. Tasukarimasu.Thank you. That helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vending machine” translations and entries 自動販売機, 自販機, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
