Japanese word

機械

Pronunciation

Romajikikai

Meaning

  • nounmachine

Example

工場で機械を使います。kō jō de ki kai o tsuka i ma su

We use a machine at the factory.

Illustration for 機械 (machine)

More examples

この機械はボタンで動きます。ko no ki kai wa bo ta n de ugo ki ma su

This machine works with a button.

この機械は重い荷物を運びます。ko no ki kai wa omo i ni motsu o hako bi ma su

This machine carries heavy loads.

Core concept

Refers to a device that uses connected parts and power to carry out a task or make work easier.

Common phrases

  • 機械を作るki kai o tsuku ru

    make a machine

  • 機械の修理ki kai no shū ri

    machine repair

  • 機械の使い方ki kai no tsuka i kata

    how to use a machine

Similar words

機器kiki: A device used for a particular purpose, often as part of work or a larger system.
装置sōchi: A set of parts arranged to perform a specific function.

Definition in Japanese

動力を用いて、物を動かしたり作業を行ったりする装置。dō ryoku o mochi i te mono o ugo ka shi ta ri sa gyō o okona tta ri su ru sō chi

Word origin

The Japanese noun 機械 (kikai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 機 (ki, "mechanism") and 械 (kai, "implement").

Usage tips

  • When Japanese speakers say 機械 (kikai), the word usually refers to a physical device, while a computer program is more often called ソフトウェア (sofutowea).

Opposites

  • 手作業tesagyōmanual worknoun
  • 人力jinrikihuman powernoun

Related words

  • 機械的kikaitekimechanicalna-adjective

Word lists with this word