How to say "conductor" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

ガイドJLPT N1approx.Common
noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'conductor' in the sense of a tour guide leading sightseers; this is really the everyday word for 'guide'. It is not the word for an orchestra conductor.
ガイドが私わたしたちをホテルまで案内あんないしてくれた。↗
The guide led us to the hotel.
コンダクターCommon
nounThe word for 'conductor' in the musical sense: someone who directs an orchestra or choir. Use this when talking about music, not for guides or tour leaders.

For 'conductor' meaning a tour or sightseeing guide, use 「ガイド」; for 'conductor' in the musical sense — a person directing an orchestra or choir — use 「コンダクター」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

ガイドguide
コンダクターconductor
導体どうたいconductor (of heat or electricity)
導電体どうでんたいconductor
伝導体でんどうたいconductor
導手どうしゅconductor (class field theory)
心線しんせんcore wire
楽長がくちょうbandmaster
車掌しゃしょう(train) conductor
指揮者しきしゃ(musical) conductor
棒振りぼうふりconductor (orchestra, etc.)

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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