Translation guide
A signboard is a flat surface displaying information, often for businesses or directions. In Japanese, the most common word is 看板 (kanban), but other terms exist depending on the type and location.
A sign attached to a storefront or business, showing its name or logo.
The most common word for a signboard, especially for shops and restaurants. It can refer to the physical board or the sign itself.
あの店の看板はとても目立ちます。
That shop's signboard really stands out.
新しい看板を取り付けました。
We put up a new signboard.
Literally 'shop's signboard', used when you need to specify it's a store sign.
店の看板が風で落ちそうだ。
The shop's signboard looks like it might fall in the wind.
A large outdoor sign for advertising, often on streets or buildings.
Specifically an advertising signboard. Combines 広告 (advertisement) and 看板 (signboard).
駅前に大きな広告看板があります。
There's a big advertising signboard in front of the station.
Loanword from English 'billboard'. Often used for large roadside advertising signs.
高速道路に新しいビルボードが設置された。
A new billboard was installed on the highway.
A sign providing directions, warnings, or public information, often in public spaces.
An information board or guide sign, commonly found in stations, parks, and tourist areas.
案内板に従って出口へ向かってください。
Please follow the signboard to the exit.
Refers to traffic signs, markers, or standardized public signs. More formal than 案内板.
A signboard that uses electronic displays, like LED or digital screens.
An electronic signboard, often with changing messages or animations.
駅の電子看板で電車の時刻を確認した。
I checked the train schedule on the electronic signboard at the station.
A sign that hangs from above or projects from a wall, often traditional.
A hanging signboard, often seen in traditional shopping streets.
商店街の吊り看板が風に揺れている。
The hanging signboards in the shopping street are swaying in the wind.
A signboard attached perpendicularly to a building wall, like a projecting sign.
古い町並みには袖看板がよく似合う。
Projecting signboards suit the old townscape well.
看板 is for commercial signs (shops, ads). 案内板 is for guidance/information signs (maps, directions). 標識 is for standardized public signs (traffic, safety). Use 看板 for most everyday 'signboard' situations.
サイン (sain) means 'autograph' or 'signature', not a signboard. For a signboard, use 看板 or other words above.
道路標識をよく見て運転してください。
Please drive carefully while watching the road signs.
Loanword from 'digital signage'. Used in business contexts for advertising displays.
デジタルサイネージで新商品を宣伝している。
They're advertising new products on the digital signage.