Meaning and Usage
"ドライバー" is a loanword from English and has two main meanings in Japanese: a person who drives a vehicle (driver) and a tool used to turn screws (screwdriver). Both meanings are common, so context is important to understand which one is intended.
Common Collocations
- ドライバーをする: to work as a driver
- ドライバーでネジを締める: to tighten screws with a screwdriver
- プロのドライバー: professional driver
Register and Nuance
The word "ドライバー" is casual and widely used in everyday conversation and technical contexts. When referring to a person who drives professionally, it can be used in formal and informal settings. For the tool, it is the standard term.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse "ドライバー" with "運転手" (うんてんしゅ), which also means driver but is more formal and specifically refers to a person who drives a vehicle. "ドライバー" is more versatile and can also mean the tool, so pay attention to context.
Tips for Learners
When you hear or see "ドライバー," check the surrounding words to decide if it means a person driving or the screwdriver tool. For example, if you see words like "ネジ" (screw) or "締める" (to tighten), it refers to the tool. If you see words like "車" (car) or "運転" (driving), it refers to the person.