1.
equipment, gear, materials, apparatus
Machines, tools, and materials needed for a specific task or activity. Commonly used for film/video equipment, audio gear, construction materials, and other specialized equipment that is transported and set up for use.
撮影機材を準備する。
To prepare filming equipment.
重い機材を運ぶのは大変だ。
It's tough to carry heavy equipment.
コンサートの前に、スタッフが音響機材のセッティングを行った。
Before the concert, the staff set up the audio equipment.
ETYMOLOGY:
機 (machine, mechanism) + 材 (material, timber). Literally "machine materials" — the machines and materials needed for work.
USAGE:
機材 implies portable or deployable equipment — things you bring to a location, set up, and use. It is commonly associated with film/video production, audio engineering, photography, construction, and events. Unlike 機器 (which emphasizes the devices themselves), 機材 includes the idea of materials and supplies alongside the machines.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 撮影機材: filming/photography equipment
- 音響機材: audio equipment
- 照明機材: lighting equipment
- 機材を搬入する: to bring in equipment
- 機材トラブル: equipment trouble
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 機器: equipment, devices (more formal, technical)
- 器具: instruments, utensils (smaller items)
- 道具: tools (general, everyday)
Related Words
Related:
機器