装置|そうちsouchi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. noun, suru verb, transitive verbequipment; device; installation; apparatus
   この暖房だんぼう装置そうちは石油せきゆを燃料ねんりょうとする。↗

   This heating system burns oil.
2. nounstage setting

• Synonym設備せつびNeutralRefers to the whole set of facilities fitted in a place, including what comes with the building; 「装置」 is the machine itself with a specific function.
• Synonym機器ききNeutralA general term for machines and instruments, as in 「電子機器」; 「装置」 stresses a mechanism assembled to perform a particular function.
• SynonymイクイップメントNeutralA loanword for gear and equipment, used sparingly; technical writing says 「装置」 or 「機器」.
• Related装備そうびNeutralOutfitting for a purpose — weapons, gear or equipment; applies to places and vehicles alike. 「装置」 is the mechanism itself with a specific function.
• Related備えるそなえるNeutralVerb for equipping or being provided with, also preparing in advance; not limited to machinery.
• Related据え付けるすえつけるNeutralInstalling a machine by setting it in place so it cannot move; the emphasis is on fixing it at a set location.
• Related設置せっちNeutralInstalling equipment or setting up an institution, as in 「監視カメラの設置」; 「装置」 usually means the device itself.
• Related装着そうちゃくNeutralFitting a part onto something or wearing a device on the body, e.g. seat belts or tire chains.
• Related設けるもうけるNeutralSetting up institutions, rules or venues; you can also say 「換気装置を設ける」. 「装置」 is the device itself.
• Related器具きぐNeutralSimple implements and instruments, as in 「照明器具」; 「装置」 is structurally more complex.
• Related機材きざいNeutralMachinery and materials, e.g. camera or audio gear; 「装置」 stresses a mechanism assembled to perform a function.
• Related据えるすえるNeutralPlacing or setting something in position, also installing someone in a post; not restricted to machines.
• Related備品びひんNeutralItems supplied to offices, schools and the like — desks, chairs, computers; 「装置」 stresses a functional mechanical mechanism.
• Related装具そうぐWrittenWritten/formal prose: gear worn on the body, such as braces or military equipment — not installed machinery.
• Related備え付けるそなえつけるNeutralPlacing equipment at a fixed spot ready for use at any time, as in 「消火器を備え付ける」.
• Related取り付けるとりつけるNeutralVerb for attaching a part to something; common in everyday use, whereas 「装置する」 is more written/formal.
• RelatedしつらえるWrittenWritten/formal prose: arranging and providing what a place needs, from room furnishings to fittings; elegant in tone. 「装置」 is the equipment itself.
• Related作り付けるつくりつけるNeutralFixing furniture and the like to a wall so it cannot be removed; mostly used of furniture and cabinets.
• Related取り付けとりつけNeutralNoun for installation, as in 「取り付け工事」; also means a run on a bank.

Default to 「装置」 for a mechanical mechanism put together to perform a specific function, often in compounds like 「安全装置」. For the facilities of a place say 「設備」, for machines and instruments in general 「機器」, for simple implements 「器具」. To install something, verbs like 「取り付ける」 and 「設置」 are the usual picks. The rest cover narrower ground: 「装備」 outfitting for a purpose, 「備品」 items supplied to an office or school, 「装具」 gear worn on the body.

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

1. 機械きかいや器具きぐを組み合くみあわせて作つくった仕掛しかけや設備せつびを配置はいちし、備え付そなえつけること。また、その仕掛しかけや設備せつび。「安全あんぜん装置そうち」「記憶装置きおくそうち」のように、前まえに単語たんごを伴ともなって複合語ふくごうごを構成こうせいすることも多おおい。
2. 機械きかいや器具きぐを組み合くみあわせて作つくった仕掛しかけや設備せつびを配置はいちし、備え付そなえつける。