Translation guide
Stationery refers to writing materials and office supplies. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 文房具 (ぶんぼうぐ), but the specific term depends on context, such as formal writing tools, everyday school supplies, or specialized art materials.
The learner wants to refer to stationery in a general sense, such as pens, paper, envelopes, and other desk supplies.
The standard word for stationery, covering pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, notebooks, etc. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
文房具屋でノートを買った。
I bought a notebook at the stationery store.
新しい文房具を揃えるのが好きです。
I like getting new stationery.
A slightly more formal or commercial term for stationery, often used in store names or product categories. Interchangeable with 文房具 in many contexts.
文具売り場は三階です。
The stationery section is on the third floor.
Specifically refers to writing instruments like pens, pencils, and markers. Not used for paper goods or desk accessories.
試験では筆記用具を忘れないでください。
Please don't forget your writing instruments for the exam.
A loanword from English, used mainly in fashion or lifestyle contexts for stylish or designer stationery. Not used for ordinary office supplies.
彼女はステーショナリーのコレクションが趣味だ。
Her hobby is collecting designer stationery.
The learner wants to talk about stationery items specifically for school use, often with a cute or practical connotation.
Refers to school supplies in general, including stationery, backpacks, and other educational materials. Commonly used in school contexts.
新学期に学用品を買い揃えた。
I bought school supplies for the new semester.
Also used for school stationery, but 学用品 is more specific to the school context.
The learner wants to refer to stationery used for artistic purposes, such as colored pencils, paints, or craft paper.
Art supplies, including paints, brushes, canvases, and drawing materials. Not used for general stationery like notebooks or pens.
画材店で水彩絵の具を買った。
I bought watercolors at the art supply store.
Can include some art-related stationery like colored pencils or markers, but 画材 is more precise for fine arts.
The learner wants to refer to stationery used in traditional Japanese writing, such as calligraphy brushes, ink, and paper.
Calligraphy tools, including brushes, ink, inkstone, and paper. Specific to the art of shodo.
書道用具を専門店で買った。
I bought calligraphy supplies at a specialty store.
Can include traditional writing instruments like brushes, but 書道用具 is more precise for calligraphy.
筆記用具として筆を使う。
I use a brush as a writing instrument.
文房具 is the most common everyday word for stationery. 文具 is slightly more formal and often used in commercial contexts. 筆記用具 specifically means writing instruments and excludes paper or desk items.
The loanword ステーショナリー is associated with fashionable or designer stationery. Using it for regular office supplies can sound odd or overly trendy.
子供に文房具を買ってあげた。
I bought stationery for my child.
I looked for colored pencils in the stationery corner.