Translation guide
The English word 'tablet' can refer to a slab of stone or clay, a pill, a writing pad, or an electronic device. This guide covers the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
A portable touchscreen computer, larger than a smartphone.
The most common and direct loanword for a tablet computer. Used in everyday conversation.
新しいタブレットを買った。
I bought a new tablet.
A more formal or technical term, often used in business or IT contexts.
このタブレット端末は業務用です。
This tablet device is for business use.
A solid dose of medicine, often round or oval.
The standard term for a pill or tablet in medical contexts. Used on packaging and by pharmacists.
この錠剤を1日2回飲んでください。
Please take this tablet twice a day.
Loanword used for medicinal tablets, especially in casual contexts or for supplements.
General word for medicine. Can be used when the form (tablet, capsule, etc.) is not important.
A pad of paper for writing notes, often bound at the top.
Common term for a small notepad or memo pad. Used for quick notes.
メモ帳に書き留めた。
I jotted it down on a notepad.
General word for notebook. Can refer to a bound pad of paper, often used in schools.
ノートを一冊買った。
I bought a notebook.
Refers to writing paper or letter paper, often in a pad form. More formal or traditional.
A flat slab used for writing or inscriptions in ancient times.
Refers to a stone tablet or slate, often used historically for writing or engraving.
古代の石板が発見された。
An ancient stone tablet was discovered.
Specifically a clay tablet, as used in Mesopotamia for cuneiform writing.
楔形文字が刻まれた粘土板。
A clay tablet inscribed with cuneiform.
I take vitamin tablets.
I took some cold medicine.
便箋に手紙を書く。
Write a letter on writing paper.