Japanese word

電動

Pronunciation

Romajidendō

Meaning

  • nounelectrically powered

Example

この電動車いすは便利です。ko no den dō kuruma i su wa ben ri de su

This electric wheelchair is useful.

Illustration for 電動 (electrically powered)

More examples

この自転車は電動なので、坂道でも楽に走れます。ko no ji ten sha wa den dō na no de saka michi de mo raku ni hashi re ma su

This bicycle is electrically powered, so it can climb hills easily.

Core concept

Uses electricity as the source of power that makes a machine or device move.

Common phrases

  • 電動の自転車den dō no ji ten sha

    electric bicycle

  • 電動の車いすden dō no kuruma i su

    powered wheelchair

Similar words

電動式dendōshiki: A type of machine or device that moves by using an electric motor.

Definition in Japanese

電気を動力として機械などが動くこと。den ki o dō ryoku to shi te ki kai na do ga ugo ku ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 電動 (dendō) combines 電 (den, "electricity") and 動 (dō, "movement").

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, 電動自転車 (dendō jitensha) is usually called an electric bike, while "electrically powered" sounds more technical or descriptive.

Opposites

Related words

  • 電動化dendōkaelectrificationnoun

Word lists with this word