Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'backpack' depends on the type, context, and user. The most common everyday term is リュックサック, but school backpacks are called ランドセル, and hiking backpacks are バックパック. There are also traditional and formal options.
To refer to a typical backpack used for daily activities, school, or casual outings.
The most common and neutral word for a backpack. Often shortened to リュック in casual speech.
新しいリュックサックを買った。
I bought a new backpack.
リュックを背負って学校に行く。
I go to school wearing a backpack.
Shortened form of リュックサック, very common in casual conversation.
そのリュック、かわいいね。
That backpack is cute.
To refer to the firm, boxy backpack used by Japanese elementary school children.
A specific type of sturdy leather backpack used by almost all elementary school students in Japan. It is a cultural icon.
娘に赤いランドセルを買ってあげた。
I bought a red school backpack for my daughter.
ランドセルは重いけど、毎日背負って行く。
The school backpack is heavy, but I carry it every day.
To refer to a large backpack used for hiking, traveling, or outdoor activities.
Used specifically for larger backpacks designed for hiking or backpacking trips. Often implies a more rugged or outdoor style.
バックパックに寝袋を入れた。
I put a sleeping bag in my backpack.
海外旅行には大きいバックパックが便利だ。
A large backpack is convenient for overseas travel.
Short for リュックサック, but often used in outdoor or mountaineering contexts. Can sound slightly technical.
To refer to a traditional Japanese-style backpack, often used in historical or cultural contexts.
A traditional backpack made of woven bamboo or wicker, used historically for carrying goods. Rarely used today except in historical reenactments or rural settings.
昔の人は背負いかごで薪を運んだ。
People in the old days carried firewood in a traditional backpack.
To refer to a backpack suitable for business or formal settings.
A backpack designed for business use, often made of leather or sleek materials, and may be called a 'business backpack'.
スーツに合うビジネスリュックを探している。
I'm looking for a business backpack that goes well with a suit.
リュックサック is the general term for any backpack. ランドセル is exclusively the hard-sided backpack used by elementary school children. バックパック usually refers to larger, outdoor-style backpacks. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
大人がランドセルを背負っていると変に見える。
It looks strange for an adult to wear a randoseru.
If you say バックパック for a child's school bag, it may sound like you're talking about a camping trip. Use ランドセル for elementary school, and リュックサック for older students.
I replaced my mountaineering backpack.