Translation guide
The English word 'pen' most commonly refers to a writing instrument. In Japanese, the basic word is ペン (pen), a loanword from English. However, there are also native Japanese words for specific types of pens and related stationery. This guide covers how to talk about pens in various contexts.
Referring to a pen in general, any type of writing instrument that uses ink.
The most common and general word for 'pen'. It is a loanword from English and covers ballpoint pens, fountain pens, felt-tip pens, etc. Used in everyday conversation.
ペンを貸してください。
Please lend me a pen.
このペンは書きやすい。
This pen is easy to write with.
A more formal term meaning 'writing instrument'. It can refer to pens, pencils, etc. Often used in written or technical contexts.
筆記具をお持ちですか。
Do you have a writing instrument?
Specifically a ballpoint pen.
The standard word for 'ballpoint pen'. A contraction of 'ball pen'.
ボールペンで書いてください。
Please write with a ballpoint pen.
A pen with a nib that uses liquid ink.
The standard word for 'fountain pen'. Literally 'ten-thousand year brush', reflecting its durability.
父は万年筆を集めている。
My father collects fountain pens.
A pen with a felt tip, often used for drawing or coloring.
A common term for felt-tip pens, often used for signatures or writing. Brand name originally, but now generic.
サインペンで名前を書いた。
I wrote my name with a felt-tip pen.
From 'Magic Marker', a brand name used generically for permanent markers. Often implies a thicker tip.
A direct loanword for 'felt pen', less common than サインペン or マジック.
A pen with a brush-like tip, used for calligraphy or art.
A pen with a brush tip, combining 'brush' (筆) and 'pen' (ペン). Commonly used for writing addresses or calligraphy.
筆ペンで年賀状を書く。
I write New Year's cards with a brush pen.
A small fenced area for animals like sheep or pigs.
General word for 'enclosure' or 'fence'. Can be used for animal pens.
羊が囲いの中にいる。
The sheep are in the pen.
Often means 'cage' or 'pen' for animals. Can imply a more confined space.
豚をおりに入れる。
Put the pigs in the pen.
マジックで線を引いて。
Draw a line with a marker.
フェルトペンはにじみやすい。
Felt pens tend to bleed through.