Translation guide
The symbol #, used in various contexts such as numbers, social media hashtags, and telephone keypads. The Japanese term depends on the context.
The # symbol used to tag topics on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
The most common term for the # symbol when used as a hashtag. It is a loanword from English.
このハッシュタグを使って投稿してください。
Please post using this hashtag.
Often used to refer to the # symbol itself, especially in contexts like music (sharp) or telephone keypads. Can be used for hashtags but ハッシュタグ is more specific.
電話番号の後にシャープを押してください。
Please press the pound sign after the phone number.
The # symbol used to indicate a number, as in #1 (number one).
Literally 'number symbol'. Used in formal or technical contexts to refer to the # sign as a number indicator.
番号記号の後に数字を入力してください。
Please enter the number after the number sign.
The # button on a telephone keypad, often used to end input or access menus.
The standard term for the # key on telephones in Japan. Despite the musical connotation, it is universally used.
ご用件が終わりましたら、シャープを押してください。
When you have finished your business, please press the pound key.
Literally 'well frame', referring to the shape of the # symbol resembling a traditional Japanese well frame. Sometimes used colloquially or in wordplay, but not standard for telephone instructions.
The symbol # used to denote pounds (weight) in some contexts, though Japan primarily uses metric.
Used when specifically referring to the pound (weight) symbol. Note that Japan uses the metric system, so this is rare.
アメリカでは、重量を表すのにポンド記号を使うことがあります。
In the US, the pound sign is sometimes used to indicate weight.
シャープ is the general term for the # symbol, used in music, telephones, and everyday reference. ハッシュタグ specifically refers to the use of # as a tag on social media. In social media contexts, always use ハッシュタグ to avoid confusion.
この曲はシャープがたくさん出てくる。
This song has a lot of sharps.
このハッシュタグがトレンド入りした。
This hashtag is trending.
The English term 'pound sign' can be confusing because it may refer to weight (lb) or currency (£). In Japanese, always use the context-appropriate term: シャープ for the symbol itself, ハッシュタグ for social media, or 番号記号 for number sign. Do not translate directly as ポンド記号 unless specifically referring to the weight unit.
Loanword from English 'number sign'. Less common than 番号記号 but understood.
書類にナンバーサインを記入する。
Write the number sign on the document.
Press the pound sign.