Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'napkin' depends on the material and context. The most common everyday term is ナプキン, but for paper napkins at meals, 紙ナプキン is often used. Cloth napkins are ナプキン or 布ナプキン. Be aware that ナプキン can also mean 'sanitary napkin', so context is important.
A piece of paper or cloth used at meals to wipe the mouth and hands.
The most common loanword for 'napkin'. It can refer to both paper and cloth napkins, but in everyday use, it often implies a paper napkin unless specified.
ナプキンを取ってください。
Please pass me a napkin.
テーブルにナプキンを置いてください。
Please put napkins on the table.
Specifically a paper napkin. Use this when you need to distinguish from cloth napkins or sanitary napkins.
紙ナプキンはあそこにあります。
The paper napkins are over there.
A cloth napkin. Used in formal dining or when emphasizing reusability.
このレストランでは布ナプキンを使っています。
This restaurant uses cloth napkins.
An absorbent pad worn during menstruation.
The standard term for 'sanitary napkin'. Often shortened to just ナプキン in context, but using the full term avoids ambiguity.
生理用ナプキンを買わなければなりません。
I need to buy sanitary napkins.
Short for 生理用ナプキン. Commonly used in casual conversation when the context is clear.
Without context, ナプキン can be ambiguous. Use 生理用ナプキン to be clear.
ナプキン持ってる？
Do you have a pad?
A piece of absorbent material worn by babies.
The standard word for 'diaper'. Not directly 'napkin', but in older or British English, 'napkin' can mean 'diaper'. Use this for baby diapers.
赤ちゃんのおむつを替えましょう。
Let's change the baby's diaper.
The word ナプキン can mean 'table napkin' or 'sanitary napkin'. In restaurants or at meals, it's usually clear, but in stores, you may need to specify 紙ナプキン (paper napkin) or 生理用ナプキン (sanitary napkin) to avoid confusion.
紙ナプキンはどこですか？
Where are the paper napkins?
生理用ナプキンはどこですか？
Where are the sanitary napkins?