Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for cardboard depends on the type and context. The most common everyday term is 段ボール, referring to corrugated cardboard used for boxes. For thin, flat cardboard like that used in crafts or packaging, 厚紙 is used. There are also more specific terms for cardboard boxes and paperboard.
The thick, wavy-layered material used for moving boxes and packaging.
The standard term for corrugated cardboard. Often used to refer to both the material and the boxes made from it.
引っ越し用の段ボールを買った。
I bought cardboard boxes for moving.
段ボールをリサイクルに出してください。
Please put out the cardboard for recycling.
Katakana spelling of 段ボール, very common in informal writing.
ダンボールがたくさんある。
There's a lot of cardboard.
Stiff, flat paper material, thinner than corrugated cardboard, used for art projects, backing, or packaging.
General term for thick paper or cardstock. Not corrugated.
厚紙で工作をした。
We did crafts with cardboard.
この箱は厚紙でできている。
This box is made of cardboard.
Refers to paperboard or pasteboard, often used for book covers or sturdy packaging. Can sometimes mean corrugated cardboard in certain contexts, but typically a stiff, non-corrugated board.
Specifically a box made of corrugated cardboard.
Explicitly a cardboard box. Often shortened to just 段ボール in conversation.
段ボール箱に本を詰めた。
I packed books into a cardboard box.
A general term for paper-based board material, often used in manufacturing.
Technical term for paperboard, including cardboard. Used in industry.
板紙の生産量が増えた。
Production of paperboard has increased.
段ボール is corrugated cardboard with a wavy inner layer, used for shipping boxes. 厚紙 is thick, flat paper (cardstock), used for crafts, signs, or packaging like cereal boxes. If you say 厚紙 for a moving box, it sounds wrong.
段ボールは波状の中芯がある。
Corrugated cardboard has a wavy inner layer.
厚紙は平らで硬い紙です。
Cardstock is flat, stiff paper.
The direct loanword カードボード is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick with 段ボール or 厚紙 depending on the type.
段ボール箱が必要です。
I need a cardboard box.
これは厚紙でできています。
This is made of thick cardboard.
ボール紙で表紙を作った。
I made a cover out of cardboard.
Katakana variant of 段ボール箱.
ダンボール箱を組み立てる。
Assemble a cardboard box.