Translation guide
Describes items designed to be used once and then thrown away, or actions/things intended for a single occasion. Japanese uses specific words for disposable products and phrases for one-time actions.
To describe an item that is meant to be thrown away after one use, such as a camera, cup, or syringe.
The standard term for 'disposable'. It is a noun that can be used as a prefix (e.g., 使い捨てカメラ) or as a standalone noun with の (e.g., 使い捨てのコップ).
使い捨てカメラを買った。
I bought a single-use camera.
この注射器は使い捨てです。
This syringe is single-use.
A loanword from English 'disposable', often used in technical or medical contexts, or in product names.
ディスポーザブル手袋を使う。
Use disposable gloves.
Literally 'one time only', can be used to emphasize that something is not reusable, but it's less common for physical products than 使い捨て.
一回限りの使用を想定している。
It is intended for single-use only.
To describe an action, event, or opportunity that happens only once and is not repeated.
Means 'only once' or 'just one time'. It emphasizes that something will not happen again. Often used with の before a noun.
これは一度きりのチャンスだ。
This is a single-use opportunity.
一度きりの人生だから、楽しもう。
We only live once, so let's enjoy it.
Similar to 一度きり, but slightly more formal. Often used in rules or official contexts.
このクーポンは一回限り有効です。
This coupon is valid for a single use.
Means 'one-shot' or 'single occurrence'. Used for events, jobs, or projects that are not part of a series.
To describe a digital item like a password, account, or code that can be used only once.
Loanword from English 'one-time', commonly used in IT contexts for passwords, codes, etc.
ワンタイムパスワードを入力してください。
Please enter the single-use password.
Also used for digital items, like disposable email addresses.
使い捨てのメールアドレスを作成した。
I created a single-use email address.
The English phrase 'single-use' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Using 単一使用 or シングルユース would sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate term based on context: 使い捨て for disposable items, 一度きり for one-time events, and ワンタイム for digital codes.
単発の仕事を探している。
I'm looking for a one-off job.