Translation guide
The English word "label" can refer to a physical tag, a descriptive category, or the act of attaching or assigning one. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A piece of paper, plastic, or other material attached to an object to identify it or provide information.
The most common and direct equivalent for a physical label, especially on products, packages, or files. A loanword from English.
A word or phrase used to describe or classify someone or something, often in a social or professional context.
The action of putting a physical label on something, or assigning a descriptive category to someone or something.
The standard way to say 'to label' in the physical sense. Uses the verb 貼る (to stick).
ファイルにラベルを貼って整理した。
I labeled the files and organized them.
この瓶にはラベルが貼ってあります。
This bottle has a label on it.
ラベルに成分が書いてある。
The ingredients are written on the label.
Refers to a sticker or seal, often decorative or used for sealing. Can be used for labels that are stickers.
ノートにシールを貼った。
I put a sticker on my notebook.
A traditional tag or label, often made of paper or wood, attached to items like luggage, plants, or in shops. Can also mean a price tag.
荷物に札をつけてください。
Please attach a tag to your luggage.
Used for tags on clothing or digital tags. Similar to English 'tag'.
服のタグを切った。
I cut off the tag on the clothes.
Often used for a negative or stereotypical label applied to a person or group. Can be translated as 'stigma' or 'brand'.
彼は変わり者というレッテルを貼られた。
He was labeled as an oddball.
A name or term used to refer to something. More neutral than レッテル.
この現象にはまだ正式な呼び名がない。
There is no official label for this phenomenon yet.
Means 'classification' or 'category'. Used when label refers to a systematic grouping.
この作品はどの分類に入りますか？
What label does this work fall under?
Used for labeling people or things in a judgmental or stereotypical way. Often negative.
すぐに人にレッテルを貼るのはよくない。
It's not good to label people right away.
A general pattern meaning 'to call something ~'. Used to assign a name or label.
この時代をルネサンスと呼ぶ。
We label this period the Renaissance.
To classify or categorize. Used when label means assigning to a category.
これらのデータを分類する必要がある。
We need to label this data.