Translation and Meaning of: 機械 - kikai

The Japanese word 機械[きかい] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japan's technological culture. Its primary meaning is "machine" or "mechanism," but it carries interesting nuances that reflect the country's relationship with innovation and industry. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to its everyday usage, as well as curiosities that can aid in memorization.

If you have ever watched anime or read manga with science fiction themes, you have probably encountered 機械[きかい] in contexts ranging from robots to everyday devices. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you understand how this word fits into different situations, whether in informal conversations or technical texts. Let’s uncover its details!

Meaning and origin of 機械[きかい]

The term 機械[きかい] is composed of two kanji: 機 (machine, opportunity) and 械 (instrument, tool). Together, they form the idea of a mechanical device or system designed to perform specific tasks. Its origin dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent rapid industrialization and adopted terms to describe new Western technologies.

Unlike words like 道具[どうぐ] (tool) or 装置[そうち] (device), 機械[きかい] has a more complex connotation, suggesting gears or moving parts. It is common in factory contexts, robotics, and even in expressions like 機械工学[きかいこうがく] (mechanical engineering). Interestingly, the kanji 機 also appears in 機会[きかい] (opportunity), demonstrating how the language associates machines with moments of action.

Everyday and cultural use

In contemporary Japan, 機械[きかい] appears in both technical manuals and conversations about appliances. Phrases like この機械は壊れています (This machine is broken) are common in repair shops. The word also reflects cultural values: mechanical precision is often associated with Japanese efficiency, whether in bullet trains or industrial robots.

A common mistake among learners is to confuse 機械[きかい] with ロボット (robot). While the former refers to machines in general (like coffee makers or lathes), the latter specifies automatons with humanoid form or autonomous functionalities. In media, animes like "Ghost in the Shell" use 機械[きかい] to discuss the fusion between humans and technology, showcasing its philosophical weight.

Tips for memorization

To record 機械[きかい], it is worth noting that the kanji 械 contains the radical 木 (wood), hinting at its historical use in wooden tools. Associating 機 with "mechanism" (as in 機関[きかん]) also helps. An effective technique is to create flashcards with images of machines labeled with the word, exploring visual memory.

According to language acquisition studies, learning words in opposite pairs increases retention. How about contrasting 機械[きかい] (machine) with 自然[しぜん] (nature)? This method is especially useful for those practicing writing, as the kanjis of 機械 are common in advanced texts. Practice with real examples, such as translated manuals or subtitles from technical documentaries.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

機器 (kiki) - Equipment, mechanical or electronic devices.
マシン (mashin) - Machine, usually used for large machinery or produced tools.
メカ (meka) - Mechanics, often used to refer to robots or machines in a more informal context.
機構 (kikou) - Structure or mechanism, referring to the arrangement and functioning of parts in a system.
機関 (kikan) - Organization or engine, referring to institutions or engines that drive something.
機 (ki) - Machine or mechanism in a broader sense, can refer to mechanical things in general.
機材 (kizai) - Equipment or materials used in a specific profession or activity.
機動 (kidou) - Movement or operation of a machine, emphasizing the capacity for action.
機密 (kimitsu) - Secret or confidential information, highlighting the protection of sensitive data.
機転 (kiten) - Mental agility or improvisation skills, referring to the ability to think quickly in situations.

Related words

便利

benri

convenient; useful; useful

部品

buhin

parts; accessories

機

hata

loom

装置

souchi

equipment; installation; device

精密

seimitsu

necessary; exactly; detailed; minute; Close

刈る

karu

Cut (hair); Stick (grass); to harvest; to fill in; Shear; to harvest; to trim; prune

殻

kara

shell; bark; hull; straw

機械

Romaji: kikai
Kana: きかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: machine; mechanism

Meaning in English: machine;mechanism

Definition: A machine is a device or tool that uses force or energy to perform a task.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (機械) kikai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (機械) kikai:

Example Sentences - (機械) kikai

See below some example sentences:

この機械は壊れる前に修理しなければならない。

Kono kikai wa kowareru mae ni shūri shinakereba naranai

This machine needs to be repaired before breaking.

This machine must be repaired before it breaks down.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
機械 - noun meaning "machine"
は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this machine"
壊れる - verb meaning "to break" or "to spoil"
前に - expression meaning "before"
修理 - noun meaning "repair" or "mending"
しなければならない - an expression that indicates an obligation or need to do something, in this case, "it must be fixed"

この機械は故障しています。

Kono kikai wa koshou shiteimasu

This machine is defective.

This machine is broken.

この - indicates that what follows is something close or related to the speaker
機械 - machine
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
故障 - failure, defect
しています - polite form of the verb "suru" (to do) in continuous form, indicating that the machine is defective

この機械の部品は交換が必要です。

Kono kikai no buhin wa kōkan ga hitsuyō desu

Parts of this machine need to be replaced.

Parts of this machine must be replaced.

この - indicates the object being mentioned, in this case "this"
機械 - machine
の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case "of the machine"
部品 - part
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the piece"
交換 - exchange, replacement
が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "the exchange"
必要 - necessary
です - verb to be in the present affirmative

クレーンは重い物を持ち上げるために使われる機械です。

Kurēn wa omoi mono o mochiageru tame ni tsukawareru kikai desu

Crane is a machine used to lift heavy objects.

A crane is a machine used to lift heavy objects.

クレーン (kurēn) - Crane
は (wa) - Topic particle
重い (omoi) - heavy
物 (mono) - object, thing
を (wo) - direct object particle
持ち上げる (mochiageru) - lift
ために (tameni) - in order to
使われる (tsukawareru) - be used, be used
機械 (kikai) - machine
です (desu) - to be, to be (polite form)

この機械はとても便利です。

Kono kikai wa totemo benri desu

This machine is very useful.

This machine is very convenient.

この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
機械 - noun meaning "machine"
は - Topic particle, indicates the subject of the sentence
とても - adverb meaning "very"
便利 - adjective meaning "useful", "convenient"
です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicates the state or quality of the subject

この機械の性能は非常に高いです。

Kono kikai no seino wa hijō ni takai desu

The performance of this machine is very high.

この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
機械 - noun meaning "machine"
の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
性能 - noun meaning "performance" or "performance"
は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この機械の動きはとてもスムーズです。

Kono kikai no ugoki wa totemo sumūzu desu

The movement of this machine is very soft.

この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
機械 - noun meaning "machine";
の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English;
動き - noun meaning "movement";
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in English;
とても - adverb meaning "very";
スムーズ - adjective meaning "smooth" or "without problems";
です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative.

モーターは車や機械に欠かせない重要な部品です。

Mōtā wa kuruma ya kikai ni kakasenai jūyōna bubun desu

The engine is an important and indispensable piece in cars and machines.

The engines are important pieces indispensable for cars and machines.

モーター - motor
は - Topic particle
車 - car
や - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
機械 - machine
に - target particle
欠かせない - indispensable
重要な - important
部品 - component
です - be (linking verb)