How to say "invention" in Japanese

• 発明はつめいJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe default word for 'invention' in the sense of creating a new device, machine, or technology, such as the invention of the telephone. If you mean a technical invention, this is the word you want.
  エジソンが電球でんきゅうを発明はつめいした。↗

  Edison invented the light bulb.
• 考案こうあんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers the act of thinking up a plan, device, or design rather than the invented object itself. Suited to contexts where someone devises a new scheme, method, or design through thought.
  フロイトは精神せいしん分析ぶんせきを考案こうあんした。↗

  Freud originated psychoanalysis.
• 創作そうさくJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbFor 'invention' in the sense of something made up, such as a fiction or fabricated story. It is really about creative or invented tales, and is seldom the word you want for a technical invention.
  それは彼女かのじょの創作そうさくだろう。↗

  I think she made up that story.
• 工夫くふうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounRefers to devising an idea, device, or design, often an ingenious improvement or expedient within an existing situation. It covers clever contrivance rather than a groundbreaking invention.

Use 発明 for an actual invention, 考案 or 工夫 for devising ideas or designs, and 創作 mainly for invented stories or fabrications rather than technical inventions.

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

• 発明はつめいinvention
• 考案こうあんplan
• インヴェンションinvention
• 創製そうせいinvention
• 発明品はつめいひんinvention
• 案出あんしゅつcontrivance
• 創案そうあんconceiving (an idea)
• 創見そうけんoriginality
• 進歩性しんぽせいinventive step
• 仮構かこうfiction
• 創作そうさくfabrication
• 工夫くふうdevice