Translation guide
A 'number plate' is the metal or plastic plate attached to a vehicle displaying its registration number. In Japanese, the most common term is ナンバープレート, a loanword from English. There are also native Japanese terms used in official or formal contexts.
ナンバープレート
number plate
The physical plate on a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle that shows its license number.
The most common and widely understood term in everyday conversation. It is a loanword from English 'number plate'.
あの車のナンバープレートが曲がっている。
That car's number plate is bent.
Short for ナンバープレート. Very common in casual speech. Can also refer to the number itself.
ナンバーを控えておいて。
Write down the number plate.
Formal, official term used in legal documents and regulations. Literally 'vehicle number plate'.
車両番号標の取り付けが義務付けられている。
It is mandatory to attach a number plate.