Translation guide
The English word 'keyboard' can refer to a computer keyboard, a musical keyboard, or a keyboard instrument. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
The physical input device with keys used for typing on a computer or other digital device.
The standard loanword for a computer keyboard. Used in almost all contexts.
新しいキーボードを買いました。
I bought a new keyboard.
キーボードの掃除をしてください。
Please clean the keyboard.
Literally 'keyboard' (the set of keys), but more commonly used for musical keyboards. Can be used for computer keyboards in technical contexts, but キーボード is more natural.
このパソコンの鍵盤は打ちやすい。
This computer's keyboard is easy to type on.
An electronic musical instrument with keys, often portable, that can produce various sounds.
The standard loanword for an electronic musical keyboard. Context usually makes it clear you mean the instrument.
彼はキーボードを弾いています。
He is playing the keyboard.
このキーボードは色々な音が出せます。
This keyboard can produce various sounds.
Explicitly 'electronic keyboard'. Used when you need to distinguish from an acoustic piano or other instruments.
電子キーボードを買うか、ピアノを買うか迷っています。
I'm torn between buying an electronic keyboard or a piano.
The set of black and white keys on a piano, organ, or similar instrument.
Refers specifically to the array of keys on a piano or organ. Commonly used in music contexts.
ピアノの鍵盤が壊れてしまった。
The piano keyboard broke.
鍵盤の数を教えてください。
Please tell me the number of keys on the keyboard.
Also used for the piano keyboard, but may be ambiguous with computer keyboard. Context clarifies.
In Japanese, キーボード can mean both a computer keyboard and a musical keyboard. The meaning is usually clear from context. If you need to be specific, you can say パソコンのキーボード (computer keyboard) or 楽器のキーボード (musical instrument keyboard).
While 鍵盤 can technically refer to a computer keyboard, it sounds overly technical or old-fashioned. Stick with キーボード for everyday use.
キーボードにコーヒーをこぼしてしまった。
I spilled coffee on my keyboard.
彼女はバンドでキーボードを弾いています。
She plays keyboard in a band.
そのピアノには88の鍵盤があります。
The piano has 88 keys.
General term for 'keyboard instrument', including pianos, organs, synthesizers, etc. More formal or categorical.
鍵盤楽器の中で、ピアノが一番好きです。
Among keyboard instruments, I like the piano the most.
このピアノのキーボードは重い感じがする。
This piano's keyboard feels heavy.