Electronics

30 phrases · Japanese with romanization, English and audio

  1. スマホ

    Sumaho

    Smartphone

    Usage

    Short for "sumātofon" and the normal spoken form. People also just say "keitai"

  2. タブレット

    Taburetto

    Tablet

    Usage

    At airport security you may be told to take the tablet out of your bag

  3. ノートパソコン

    Nōto pasokon

    Laptop

    Usage

    Japanese calls it a "notebook personal computer"; the word "laptop" is not used

  4. 充電器

    Jūdenki

    Charger

    Usage

    Same word as in the nouns deck. Convenience stores sell them, but at a premium

  5. 充電ケーブル

    Jūden kēburu

    Charging cable

    Usage

    For the connector, say "taipu C" (USB-C) or "raitoningu" (Lightning)

  6. モバイルバッテリー

    Mobairu batterī

    Power bank

    Usage

    Rental stands sit in stations and convenience stores. On flights they must go in carry-on, never checked baggage

  7. 変換プラグ

    Henkan puragu

    Plug adapter

    Usage

    Japan uses flat two-pin type A at 100V. A shape adapter ("henkan puragu") is not a voltage converter ("hen'atsuki")

  8. コンセント

    Konsento

    Power outlet

    Usage

    A Japanese-made English word meaning the wall socket. Ask "konsento o tsukaemasu ka" in a café

  9. 延長コード

    Enchō kōdo

    Extension cord

    Usage

    Sold at 100-yen shops and electronics stores; some lodgings will lend you one

  10. 乾電池

    Kandenchi

    Battery (dry cell)

    Usage

    AA is "tansan" and AAA is "tanyon". Convenience stores stock both

  11. Wi-Fi（無線LAN）

    Waifai

    Wi-Fi

    Usage

    Read aloud as "waifai". Signs usually say "muryō Wi-Fi" or "furī Wi-Fi" for free access

  12. Wi-Fiのパスワード

    Waifai no pasuwādo

    Wi-Fi password

    Usage

    Show this and say "kore o oshiete kudasai". The word is "pasuwādo", not "anshō bangō"

  13. SIMカード

    Shimu kādo

    SIM card

    Usage

    Prepaid tourist SIMs are sold at airports and electronics stores. eSIM is read "īshimu"

  14. ポケットWi-Fi

    Poketto waifai

    Portable Wi-Fi router

    Usage

    A pocket router rented at airport counters; return it to an airport drop box or by courier

  15. SDカード

    Esu dī kādo

    SD card

    Usage

    Sold at electronics shops and convenience stores. Capacity is said as "32 giga", "64 giga"

  16. イヤホン

    Iyahon

    Earphones

    Usage

    Keep the volume down on trains — sound leaking out is frowned upon, and phone calls are avoided entirely

  17. カメラ

    Kamera

    Camera

    Usage

    Do not shoot where a "satsuei kinshi" (no photography) sign is posted at temples or shops

  18. 懐中電灯

    Kaichū dentō

    Flashlight

    Usage

    Sold as emergency gear; lodgings usually keep one in the room's emergency kit

  19. エアコン

    Eakon

    Air conditioner

    Usage

    Cooling is "reibō" and heating is "danbō" — the same two words appear on the remote

  20. リモコン

    Rimokon

    Remote control

    Usage

    Short for "remote control". Show this word if you cannot find it in your room

  21. 扇風機

    Senpūki

    Electric fan

    Usage

    Ask to borrow one if air conditioning does not agree with you

  22. 冷蔵庫

    Reizōko

    Refrigerator

    Usage

    The small in-room one is called a "minibā"; its drinks may be chargeable

  23. テレビ

    Terebi

    Television

    Usage

    Some older business hotels still have card-operated pay TV

  24. 電子レンジ

    Denshi renji

    Microwave oven

    Usage

    Buy a bentō at a convenience store and you will be asked "atatamemasu ka?" — shall I heat it up?

  25. 電気ケトル

    Denki ketoru

    Electric kettle

    Usage

    Standard in hotel rooms; ryokan rooms often have a thermos-style hot water pot instead

  26. 洗濯機

    Sentakuki

    Washing machine

    Usage

    A laundromat is a "koin randorī". Hotel machines often dispense detergent automatically

  27. ドライヤー

    Doraiyā

    Hair dryer

    Usage

    If your room has none, the front desk will usually lend you one

  28. 温水洗浄便座

    Onsui senjō benza

    Washlet / bidet toilet seat

    Usage

    Usually called by the brand name "Woshuretto". You only need the "oshiri" (rear) and "tomeru" (stop) buttons

  29. 家電量販店

    Kaden ryōhanten

    Electronics store

    Usage

    Yodobashi, Bic Camera, Yamada and others. They have tax-free counters — show your passport

  30. 壊れています

    Kowarete imasu

    It is broken

    Usage

    Point at the device while showing this. "Ugokimasen" (it doesn't work) also works

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