Meaning and Usage
The word 内蔵 (ないぞう) primarily refers to "internal organs" in a biological context, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and stomach inside the body. However, it is also commonly used in technology and everyday language to describe something "built-in" or "internal" within a device or system, like 内蔵カメラ (built-in camera) or 内蔵電池 (built-in battery).
Common Collocations
- 内蔵カメラ: built-in camera, often used when talking about smartphones or laptops.
- 内蔵電池: built-in battery, referring to batteries that cannot be removed easily.
- 内蔵機能: built-in function or feature in electronic devices.
Register and Nuance
内蔵 is a formal and technical term. When referring to human organs, it is used in medical or scientific contexts rather than casual conversation. When used for devices, it emphasizes that a component is integrated inside rather than external or detachable.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 内蔵 with 外付け (そとづけ), which means "external" or "attached outside." Remember that 内蔵 always implies something inside or built-in.
Practical Tips
When you hear 内蔵 in conversation, consider the context: if it’s about the body, it means internal organs; if it’s about electronics or appliances, it means built-in parts or features. This dual usage is common in Japanese technical vocabulary.