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A2 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

家電

kaden Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 家電 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 家電 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'kaden' refers to things like the TV, the fridge, and the washing machine. Think of it as a 'box' word that holds all your electric house tools. You might hear it when people talk about shopping. It is a very useful word to recognize when you see big electronics stores in Japan. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet, but knowing that 'ka' means home and 'den' means electricity will help you remember it easily. Just remember: 家 (home) + 電 (electric) = Home Appliance.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'kaden' to describe your daily life and shopping needs. You should be able to say things like 'I want to buy new kaden' or 'This kaden is expensive.' You will encounter this word frequently when looking for apartments or reading store advertisements. It's important to differentiate 'kaden' (appliances) from 'kagu' (furniture). You can also start using it in simple combinations, like 'kaden-ya' (appliance store). This level is where you begin to see how Japanese people group these items together in their minds.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'kaden' in various contexts, such as discussing energy efficiency (shō-ene) or specific types of appliances like 'cooking appliances' (chōri kaden). You can explain why you chose a certain brand or model. You'll also start to understand the cultural importance of appliances in Japan, such as the popularity of high-tech rice cookers. You should be able to read simple reviews of appliances and understand terms like 'guarantee' (hoshō) and 'repair' (shūri) in relation to 'kaden'.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more detailed discussions about the appliance industry and market trends. You might talk about how 'smart appliances' (sumāto kaden) are changing the Japanese home or discuss the environmental impact of old appliances. You should be familiar with the 'Home Appliance Recycling Law' and the social expectations surrounding the disposal of 'kaden.' At this level, you can also understand more nuanced terms like 'white goods' (shiromono kaden) and 'black goods' (kuromono kaden) and use them correctly in conversation or writing.

At the C1 level, you can analyze the socio-economic factors that made Japan a global leader in the 'kaden' industry. You can discuss technical specifications, the integration of AI in household tools, and the philosophical approach to 'monozukuri' (craftsmanship) in appliance manufacturing. You are able to understand complex news reports about trade disputes or innovations in the appliance sector. Your use of the word 'kaden' is precise, and you can switch between formal technical terms and casual conversational idioms with ease.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'kaden' and its place in Japanese history and culture. You can discuss the evolution of the 'Three Sacred Treasures' and how they mirrored the shifting aspirations of the Japanese public across different eras. You can critique the design language of different 'kaden' manufacturers and discuss the future of the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) in the context of the Japanese domestic space. You understand the deep cultural obsession with precision and convenience that 'kaden' represents in the Japanese psyche.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

家電 in 30 Seconds

Kaden means home appliances and is an essential word for daily life in Japan.
It is a compound of 'home' (家) and 'electricity' (電).
Commonly used when shopping at big electronics retailers or moving house.
Distinguish it from 'kagu' (furniture), which refers to non-electric items.

The Japanese word 家電 (kaden) is an abbreviation of 家庭用電気製品 (kateiyō denki seihin), which literally translates to 'household electrical products.' In everyday English, we simply call these 'home appliances.' This term encompasses everything from the large white goods in your kitchen to the small gadgets on your counter. Understanding this word is essential because Japan is world-renowned for its appliance industry, and shopping for these items is a common part of modern life in Japan. Whether you are moving into a new apartment, looking for a gift, or just exploring a massive electronics store like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, you will see this word everywhere. It is a category noun, meaning it represents the group of objects rather than a single specific item.

Etymology: The first kanji, 家 (ka), means 'house' or 'home.' The second kanji, 電 (den), means 'electricity.' Together, they form a logical compound for anything that uses electricity within a home environment.
Scope: It covers refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, and even televisions. While 'electronics' might include computers and phones, 'kaden' specifically leans toward utility-based household tools.

新しいアパートのために家電を買いそろえる必要があります。(I need to buy all the necessary home appliances for my new apartment.)

Historically, the concept of 'kaden' changed the Japanese lifestyle drastically during the post-war economic miracle. In the 1950s, three specific appliances were known as the 'Three Sacred Treasures' (Sanshu no Jingi): the black-and-white television, the washing machine, and the refrigerator. Owning these was a symbol of middle-class status and modernity. Today, the term has expanded to include 'smart appliances' or sumāto kaden, which connect to the internet. Because Japanese homes are often small, Japanese appliances are famous for being compact, multi-functional, and extremely energy-efficient. When you hear this word, think of the reliability and innovation that brands like Panasonic, Sony, and Hitachi represent. It is not just about the machines; it is about the convenience they bring to daily chores.

この店は家電の品ぞろえが豊富です。(This store has a rich selection of home appliances.)

In conversation, 'kaden' is used frequently when discussing housework, moving, or technology trends. There is even a popular subculture in Japan called 'Kaden Geinin' (Appliance Comedians)—celebrities who are obsessed with the latest gadgets and talk about them with passion on variety shows. This demonstrates how deeply ingrained appliance culture is in Japan. From rice cookers that use induction heating to high-tech toilets (washlets), the 'kaden' category is a source of national pride. When using the word, remember that it is a formal yet common term. In very casual speech, someone might just say 'denki-ya' (the electric shop) to refer to the place where you buy them, but 'kaden' remains the standard noun for the products themselves.

Using 家電 (kaden) correctly involves understanding its role as a collective noun. While you can say 'I bought a kaden,' it is much more common to use it to describe a group of items or as a modifier for other words. For example, kaden-seihin (appliance products) is a very common compound. When you are talking about specific items like a fridge or a toaster, you use their specific names, but when you speak about the industry, the store section, or the overall collection of machines in your house, 'kaden' is the go-to term.

Verb Pairing: Common verbs include 買い替える (kaikaeru - to replace/upgrade), 設置する (setchi suru - to install), and 処分する (shobun suru - to dispose of).

古い家電を新しいものに買い替えました。(I replaced my old appliances with new ones.)

Grammatically, 'kaden' functions as a simple noun. It doesn't have a plural form because Japanese nouns generally don't change for plurality. Context tells the listener if you mean one appliance or many. If you want to specify 'all the appliances,' you would add 'subete no' (all) or 'kaden-ruitai' (appliance types). Another important aspect is the categorization. You might hear 'shiro-mono kaden' (white goods), which refers to major appliances like fridges and washers, traditionally white in color, versus 'kuro-mono kaden' (black goods) like TVs and audio equipment.

日本の家電メーカーは世界中で有名です。(Japanese appliance manufacturers are famous worldwide.)

When you are at a store, you might ask, 'Kaden wa doko desu ka?' (Where are the appliances?), though usually, stores are divided by specific types (e.g., 'reizōko' for fridges). In a more formal setting, such as a lease agreement for an apartment, you might see the phrase 'kaden-tsuki' (furnished with appliances). This is a vital term for expats to know. Also, pay attention to 'shō-ene kaden' (energy-saving appliances), as electricity costs are a major concern in Japanese households. Using the word in these compound forms will make your Japanese sound much more natural and advanced.

The most common place to encounter 家電 (kaden) is in commercial environments. If you walk through the streets of Akihabara in Tokyo or Nipponbashi in Osaka, the word will be plastered on neon signs and billboards. You will hear store clerks shouting 'Kaden ga yasui desu yo!' (Appliances are cheap!). Beyond the physical stores, 'kaden' is a staple word in television commercials. Japan has a high frequency of ads for the latest rice cookers, air purifiers, and robotic vacuum cleaners. These commercials often highlight the 'kaden' as a solution to a busy lifestyle.

News & Media: In economic news, reporters discuss 'kaden no jukyu' (the supply and demand of appliances) or 'kaden no yushutsu' (the export of appliances).

最近の家電はAIを搭載しているものが多い。(Many recent home appliances are equipped with AI.)

You will also hear this word in the context of 'Gomi' (trash). Japan has very strict laws regarding the disposal of appliances, known as the 'Kaden Reisaikuru-hō' (Home Appliance Recycling Law). If you try to throw away a fridge like regular trash, you will get in trouble. Therefore, you often hear people talking about how to 'shobun' (dispose of) their 'kaden.' You might call a 'kaden-kaitori-shappu' (appliance buy-back shop) to sell your old items. This lifecycle of buying, using, and recycling is a major part of the Japanese urban experience.

この家電リサイクル法について教えてください。(Please tell me about this Home Appliance Recycling Law.)

Finally, 'kaden' is a frequent topic in lifestyle magazines and blogs. Articles titled 'Must-buy Kaden for Singles' or 'Kaden that will Change Your Life' are very popular. These articles often focus on 'benri-kaden' (convenient appliances) that save time, such as automatic bread makers or high-speed blenders. In social settings, friends might ask each other, 'Saikin nani ka omoshiroi kaden katta?' (Have you bought any interesting appliances lately?). It is a safe, common conversation starter that bridges the gap between technology and daily life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 家電 (kaden) with 家具 (kagu). While 'kaden' refers to electrical appliances, 'kagu' refers to furniture like chairs, tables, and beds. If you tell a Japanese person you bought 'kaden' for your bedroom, they might expect a TV or an air conditioner, not a bed frame. It is important to distinguish between things that plug into a wall and things that are made of wood or fabric. Another mistake is using 'kaden' to refer to personal electronics like smartphones or laptops in a professional context. While they are technically electrical, they are usually categorized as 'IT kiki' (IT equipment) or 'denshi kiki' (electronic devices).

Common Confusion: Confusing 家電 (kaden) with 電気 (denki). 'Denki' means electricity or 'the light.' If you say 'Denki wo kaimashita,' it sounds like you bought a lightbulb or the electricity itself, rather than an appliance.

✖ 椅子は便利な家電です。(A chair is a convenient appliance.)
〇椅子は便利な家具です。(A chair is a convenient piece of furniture.)

Another nuance is the level of formality. 'Kaden' is a noun, but in casual conversation, people often just name the specific item. Saying 'I used my kaden today' sounds a bit robotic. Instead, say 'I used my vacuum cleaner' (sōjiki). Use 'kaden' when you are talking about the category or shopping in general. Also, be careful with the word denshi-seihin. While it means 'electronic products,' it is a bit broader and more technical than 'kaden.' If you are talking about things in your house, 'kaden' is much more natural.

✖ このスマホはいい家電ですね。(This smartphone is a good home appliance, isn't it?)
〇このスマホはいい端末ですね。(This smartphone is a good device, isn't it?)

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 'kaden' is a Sino-Japanese word (kango), which usually carries a slightly more formal or objective tone. In very warm, domestic settings, people might use more specific or descriptive language. However, for most purposes, 'kaden' is perfectly safe. Just ensure you don't use it for non-electric items. If it doesn't have a cord or a battery and it's not for the home, it's probably not a 'kaden.'

To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to 家電 (kaden). The most direct synonym is 家電製品 (kaden seihin), which is just the longer, more formal version. You will see this on official labels and in manuals. If you are looking for a more general term for 'electrical goods,' you can use 電気製品 (denki seihin). This includes things like industrial machines or office equipment that might not be used in a home.

家電 (Kaden) vs. 電気製品 (Denki Seihin): Kaden is specific to the home (家). Denki Seihin is any product that uses electricity, including factory tools.
家電 (Kaden) vs. 電子機器 (Denshi Kiki): Denshi Kiki refers to 'electronic devices' like smartphones and tablets. Kaden is more for 'appliances' like fridges.

この店は電気製品全般を扱っています。(This store handles electrical products in general.)

Another interesting set of terms is Shiromono Kaden (White Goods) and Kuromono Kaden (Black Goods). White goods are functional appliances that help with housework (refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners). Black goods are for entertainment (TVs, cameras, audio systems). In recent years, a new term has emerged: 生活家電 (seikatsu kaden), which literally means 'lifestyle appliances.' This emphasizes the role of the appliance in improving one's daily routine. You might also hear 調理家電 (chōri kaden) specifically for kitchen/cooking appliances like blenders and rice cookers.

最近は、便利な調理家電が増えています。(Recently, convenient cooking appliances are increasing.)

When comparing 'kaden' to 'kagu' (furniture), remember that they are the two pillars of interior design. In a real estate listing, you might see 'kagu-kaden-tsuki' (furnished with furniture and appliances). Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate a Japanese home or store with confidence. If you want to talk about the latest tech, use 'saishin kaden' (the latest appliances). If you want to talk about old stuff, use 'chūko kaden' (second-hand appliances). Each of these variations adds a specific flavor to your Japanese vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'Three Sacred Treasures' of appliances changed several times in Japan, moving from TV/Fridge/Washer in the 50s to Car/AC/Color TV in the 60s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kædɛn/

US /kɑːdɛn/

Flat pitch (Heiban) in Japanese, meaning no specific syllable is stressed higher than the others.

Rhymes With

Saden (tea ceremony) Gaden (one's own field) Kadan (flower bed) Shuden (last train) Koden (old style) Muden (wireless) Haden (sending electricity) Kaden (family tradition - different kanji)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'kaden' (garden) in English.
Stressing the first syllable too hard.
Confusing it with 'kadan' (flower bed).
Making the 'n' sound too much like an English 'n' at the end.
Adding a vowel after the 'n' (e.g., ka-de-nu).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are basic (Home + Electricity), easy for A2 learners.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the stroke order for 電.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce with two simple syllables.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家電気買う新しい店

Learn Next

冷蔵庫洗濯機掃除機電子レンジ炊飯器

Advanced

半導体 IoT 消費電力耐久消費財リサイクル

Grammar to Know

Noun compounding

家電 + 製品 = 家電製品

Using 'tame ni' for purpose

家電を買うために貯金する。

The particle 'ga' with 'suki'

家電が好きです。

The particle 'de' for location

家電量販店で買いました。

The '-te iru' state for machines

家電が動いている。

Examples by Level

これは新しい家電です。

This is a new home appliance.

Simple A is B structure.

家電が好きです。

I like home appliances.

Noun + ga suki desu.

家電はどこですか？

Where are the home appliances?

Asking for location.

あの店は家電が安いです。

That store's appliances are cheap.

Describing a store's price.

これは便利な家電ですね。

This is a convenient appliance, isn't it?

Using the adjective benri (convenient).

父は家電を買いに行きました。

My father went to buy appliances.

Purpose of movement (ni ikimashita).

家に古い家電があります。

There are old appliances in the house.

Showing existence.

この家電は白です。

This appliance is white.

Color description.

新しいアパートのために家電を買いました。

I bought home appliances for my new apartment.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

どの家電が一番いいですか？

Which appliance is the best?

Asking for a choice among many.

この家電の使い方が分かりません。

I don't know how to use this appliance.

Using '-kata' for 'way of doing'.

日本の家電はとても有名です。

Japanese home appliances are very famous.

Adverb 'totemo' for emphasis.

家電量販店でポイントカードを作りました。

I made a point card at the electronics store.

Compound noun: Kaden-ryōhanten.

一人暮らし用の家電セットがあります。

There is an appliance set for people living alone.

Using 'yō' for 'for the use of'.

古い家電を捨てたいです。

I want to throw away old appliances.

Desire form '-tai'.

家電のカタログを見せてください。

Please show me the appliance catalog.

Polite request with '-te kudasai'.

最近の家電は省エネ機能が優れています。

Recent appliances have excellent energy-saving features.

Compound: shō-ene (energy saving).

家電を買い替える時期を考えています。

I'm thinking about the timing to replace my appliances.

Noun + jiki (timing/season).

この家電はデザインがシンプルで部屋に合います。

This appliance has a simple design and fits the room.

Verb 'au' (to fit/match).

引っ越しの時に家電を全部売りました。

I sold all my appliances when I moved.

Time clause with 'toki'.

家電の故障で修理を依頼しました。

I requested a repair due to an appliance breakdown.

Cause indicated by 'de'.

最新の家電を試してみるのが楽しみです。

I'm looking forward to trying out the latest appliances.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no'.

この家電メーカーの製品は信頼できます。

Products from this appliance manufacturer are reliable.

Potential/State: shinrai dekiru.

調理家電を使って料理の時間を短縮します。

I use cooking appliances to shorten cooking time.

Compound: chōri-kaden.

スマート家電の普及により、生活がより便利になった。

With the spread of smart appliances, life has become more convenient.

Using 'ni yori' to indicate cause/means.

白物家電の需要が安定している一方で、黒物家電は苦戦している。

While demand for white goods is stable, black goods are struggling.

Contrasting with 'ippō de'.

家電リサイクル法に従って正しく処分しなければならない。

One must dispose of items correctly according to the Home Appliance Recycling Law.

Obligation: nakereba naranai.

その家電芸人は最新の掃除機について熱弁をるった。

That appliance comedian spoke passionately about the latest vacuum cleaner.

Specific cultural term: Kaden-geinin.

日本の家電業界は海外メーカーとの競争が激化している。

The Japanese appliance industry is facing intensifying competition with overseas manufacturers.

Noun: gyōkai (industry).

この家電は多機能すぎて使いこなすのが難しい。

This appliance has too many functions and is difficult to master.

Compound verb: tsukai-konasu.

環境に配慮した家電を選ぶ消費者が増えている。

The number of consumers choosing environmentally friendly appliances is increasing.

Relative clause modifying 'shōbishya'.

家電のサブスクリプションサービスが注目を集めている。

Appliance subscription services are attracting attention.

Loanword: sabusukuripushon.

高度経済成長期、家電は豊かさの象徴であった。

During the period of high economic growth, appliances were a symbol of affluence.

Historical context: kōdo keizai seichō-ki.

メーカー各社は、家電の付加価値を高めるために独自技術を開発している。

Each manufacturer is developing original technologies to increase the added value of appliances.

Formal term: fuka-kachi (added value).

家電のIoT化は、家事の自動化をさらに推し進めるだろう。

The integration of IoT in appliances will likely further advance the automation of housework.

Suffix '-ka' (transformation into).

消費税増税前に、高額な家電を駆け込みで購入する人が続出した。

Before the consumption tax hike, there was a surge of people making last-minute purchases of expensive appliances.

Idiom: kakekomi (last-minute rush).

日本の家電市場は飽和状態にあり、各社は海外展開を加速させている。

The Japanese appliance market is saturated, and companies are accelerating their overseas expansion.

Business term: hōwa-jōtai (saturation).

生活家電の進化は、女性の社会進出を後押しした一因と言える。

The evolution of lifestyle appliances can be said to be one factor that supported women's entry into the workforce.

Causal phrasing: 'no ichiin to ieru'.

デザイン性に特化した家電ブランドが、若年層の間で支持を得ている。

Appliance brands specializing in design are gaining support among the younger generation.

Phrasal verb: tokka-suru (specialize).

家電製品の安全基準を厳格化することで、事故の未然防止を図る。

We aim to prevent accidents by tightening the safety standards for electrical appliances.

Formal aim: 'wo hakaru'.

三種の神器から始まった日本の家電史は、生活文化の変遷そのものである。

The history of Japanese appliances, which began with the 'Three Sacred Treasures,' is the very transition of lifestyle culture itself.

Metaphorical use of 'history'.

家電のコモディティ化が進む中で、いかにブランドの独自性を打ち出すかが課題だ。

As the commoditization of appliances progresses, the challenge is how to highlight brand uniqueness.

Technical term: komoditi-ka.

省エネ性能の極限を追求する日本の家電技術は、世界トップレベルに君臨している。

Japanese appliance technology, which pursues the limits of energy-saving performance, reigns at the world's top level.

Literary verb: kunrin-suru (to reign).

家電という言葉の枠を超え、住空間と一体化した『ライフスタイル・デバイス』へと進化している。

Evolving beyond the framework of the word 'appliance,' it is becoming a 'lifestyle device' integrated with living spaces.

Philosophical phrasing: 'waku wo koe'.

昨今の家電業界における合従連衡は、グローバル競争の激しさを物語っている。

The recent alliances and mergers in the appliance industry tell the story of the intensity of global competition.

Four-character idiom: gasshō-renkō.

ユニバーサルデザインを取り入れた家電は、高齢化社会における必須のインフラとなりつつある。

Appliances incorporating universal design are becoming an essential infrastructure in an aging society.

Grammar: '-tsutsu aru' (in the process of).

家電の音声認識機能の向上は、人間と機械のインターフェースに革命をもたらした。

The improvement of voice recognition in appliances has brought a revolution to the human-machine interface.

Abstract noun: kakumei (revolution).

循環型社会の実現に向け、家電の設計段階からのリサイクル性向上が急務である。

Toward the realization of a circular society, improving recyclability from the design stage of appliances is an urgent task.

Policy term: junkan-gata shakai.

Common Collocations

家電量販店

Common Phrases

家電を買い替える

— To replace or upgrade old appliances with new ones.

10年ぶりに家電を買い替えた。

家電が壊れる

— An appliance breaks down or stops working.

一度にたくさんの家電が壊れた。

家電を処分する

— To dispose of or throw away an appliance.

古い家電を正しく処分する。

家電を設置する

— To install or set up an appliance in the home.

業者に家電を設置してもらう。

家電を使いこなす

— To master the use of an appliance's functions.

多機能な家電を使いこなす。

家電の品ぞろえ

— The selection or variety of appliances available.

この店は家電の品ぞろえがいい。

家電の保証期間

— The warranty period for an appliance.

家電の保証期間を確認する。

家電の下取り

— Trading in an old appliance for a discount on a new one.

家電の下取りサービスを利用する。

家電の配送

— The delivery of purchased home appliances.

家電の配送を依頼する。

家電のお手入れ

— The maintenance or cleaning of appliances.

家電を長く使うためにお手入れをする。

Often Confused With

家電 vs 家具 (kagu)

Kagu is furniture (non-electric); Kaden is appliances (electric).

家電 vs 電気 (denki)

Denki is electricity/light; Kaden is the physical machine.

家電 vs 電子機器 (denshi kiki)

Denshi kiki is electronic devices (phones/PCs); Kaden is home-focused.

Idioms & Expressions

"家電に疎い"

— To be ignorant or out of touch with modern appliances.

私は最新の家電に疎い。

Neutral

"家電マニア"

— Someone who is obsessed with appliances.

彼は有名な家電マニアだ。

Informal

"家電に凝る"

— To be very particular or fastidious about the appliances one buys.

最近、キッチン家電に凝っている。

Neutral

"家電に頼る"

— To rely heavily on appliances for housework.

家電に頼って家事を楽にする。

Neutral

"家電の進化"

— The evolution or rapid advancement of appliance tech.

家電の進化には驚かされる。

Neutral

"家電が火を吹く"

— Literally an appliance catching fire, but often used for total failure.

古い家電が火を吹きそうで怖い。

Informal

"家電を揃える"

— To get all the necessary appliances together (e.g., when moving).

新居の家電を揃える。

Neutral

"家電で溢れる"

— To be overflowing with appliances (too many gadgets).

部屋が家電で溢れている。

Informal

"家電を新調する"

— To get brand new appliances (implies a fresh start).

引っ越しを機に家電を新調した。

Formal

"家電が息を吹き返す"

— An appliance suddenly starts working again after being broken.

壊れたと思った家電が息を吹き返した。

Informal

Easily Confused

家電 vs 花壇 (kadan)

Similar sound.

Kadan means flower bed; Kaden means appliance. Context usually makes it clear.

花壇に花を植える vs 家電を買いに行く。

家電 vs 皆伝 (kaiden)

Similar sound.

Kaiden means initiation/mastery of a craft; Kaden is an appliance.

免許皆伝 vs 最新家電。

家電 vs 家伝 (kaden)

Identical sound (homophone).

家伝 (same sound) means family tradition/recipe. The kanji is different.

家伝のタレ vs 家電製品。

家電 vs 下電 (geden)

Reversed kanji potential.

Geden is not a common word, but 電 (den) is at the end of Kaden.

N/A

家電 vs 電化 (denka)

Related meaning.

Denka is the process of electrification; Kaden is the product.

オール電化の家 vs 家電を買う。

Sentence Patterns

これは[Noun]です。

これは家電です。

[Noun]が好きです。

家電が好きです。

[Noun]を買いに行きます。

家電を買いに行きます。

[Noun]は便利です。

家電は便利です。

[Noun]の使い方が分からない。

家電の使い方が分からない。

[Noun]を買い替えるつもりだ。

家電を買い替えるつもりだ。

[Noun]によって生活が変わった。

家電によって生活が変わった。

[Noun]を処分しなければならない。

家電を処分しなければならない。

Word Family

Nouns

家電製品

家電量販店

家電メーカー

家電芸人

Verbs

電化する (to electrify)

家電を設置する

Adjectives

家電的な (appliance-like)

電子機器

家具

電気

家庭

製品

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, shopping, and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'kaden' for a chair. → kagu (furniture)
Kaden must be electric. A chair is furniture.
Saying 'kaden' for a smartphone. → sumaho / denshi kiki
Smartphones are personal electronics, not household appliances.
Pronouncing it 'garden'. → kaden
The 'k' is sharp and the 'a' is like 'father'.
Using 'denki' to mean a fridge. → reizōko (or kaden as a category)
Denki means electricity; you need the specific noun or the category 'kaden'.
Forgetting the recycling fee. → kaden risaikuru-ryō
You cannot just throw away large appliances for free in Japan.

Tips

Look for Point Cards

When buying kaden at major stores, always get a point card. You can often get 10% back in points!

Use Compounds

Combine 'kaden' with other words like 'mākā' (maker) or 'uriba' (section) to sound more natural.

Check the Voltage

Japanese kaden run on 100V. If you take them abroad, you might need a transformer.

Buy Sets

If moving, look for 'Shin-seikatsu Sets' which bundle a fridge, washer, and microwave for a low price.

Recycle Properly

You can often trade in (shitadori) your old kaden when buying new ones to save on disposal fees.

Learn the Kanji

The kanji for 'den' (電) appears in many useful words like densha (train) and denwa (phone).

Smart Features

Many modern Japanese appliances can be controlled via apps; look for the 'IoT' label.

Keep the Manual

Japanese kaden have many complex settings. Keep the manual (setsumeisho) handy!

Ask for Discounts

In large electronics stores, it is sometimes possible to negotiate the price (negiwa) of expensive kaden.

Check Plugs

Most Japanese kaden use two-prong plugs without a ground. Be aware of this when setting up your kitchen.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Home' (家) that is 'Electric' (電). Ka-Den. If your house is electric, you have Kaden!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant robot made of a fridge, a microwave, and a TV standing in the middle of a house.

Word Web

Refrigerator Washing Machine Microwave Television Air Conditioner Vacuum Rice Cooker Toaster

Challenge

Go to a Japanese electronics website and try to find 5 items categorized under 家電.

Word Origin

Formed from the kanji 家 (ka - house) and 電 (den - electricity). It is a contraction of 家庭用電気製品 (kateiyō denki seihin).

Original meaning: Household electrical products.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be aware of the recycling laws; mentioning throwing appliances in the river or street is a social faux pas.

In English, we say 'appliances' or 'electronics.' 'Kaden' maps most closely to 'home appliances.'

Akihabara Electric Town Panasonic 'National' brand history Yodobashi Camera theme song

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving to a new apartment

家電を揃える
家電付きの部屋
家電の配送
中古家電

Shopping at a store

家電コーナーはどこですか？
最新の家電
家電の保証
値引き

Housework

便利な家電
家電に頼る
家電のお手入れ
省エネ家電

Disposing of trash

家電リサイクル法
家電を処分する
不用品回収
リサイクル券

News/Business

家電メーカー
家電市場
家電の輸出
スマート家電

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か便利な家電を買いましたか？ (Have you bought any convenient appliances lately?)"

"一番好きな家電は何ですか？ (What is your favorite home appliance?)"

"日本の家電についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japanese home appliances?)"

"スマート家電を使っていますか？ (Do you use smart appliances?)"

"次に買い替えたい家電は何ですか？ (What appliance do you want to replace next?)"

Journal Prompts

私の家にある一番便利な家電について書く。(Write about the most convenient appliance in your house.)

もし家電が一つもなかったら、生活はどうなるか。(What would life be like if there were no appliances?)

未来の家電はどんなことができるようになると思うか。(What do you think future appliances will be able to do?)

日本の家電量販店に行った時の感想。(Your impressions of visiting a Japanese electronics store.)

私が欲しい『夢の家電』。(The 'dream appliance' that I want.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. Smartphones are categorized as 'denshi kiki' (electronic devices) or 'keitai' (mobile). Kaden refers to household tools.

Major 'Kaden Ryōhanten' like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki offer the best selection and prices.

No. Small ones might be okay, but large ones must follow the Home Appliance Recycling Law, requiring a fee and special pickup.

They are called 'Shiromono Kaden.' This includes refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

They are known for being compact, high-quality, and packed with features tailored to small living spaces.

No, that is usually called 'jimuyō kiki' (office equipment).

You say 'sumāto kaden' (スマート家電).

It is a standard noun used in both daily conversation and business. 'Kaden-seihin' is slightly more formal.

It's a Japanese comedian who specializes in talking about their love and knowledge of home appliances.

Generally, light bulbs are 'shōmei' (lighting) or just 'denki,' but they are sold in the 'kaden' section.