アルファベット
arufabetto[a̠ɾɯ̟ɸa̠be̞t̚to̞]often
The English phrase "alphabet" is translated into Japanese as アルファベット (arufabetto). Wiktionary also lists 文字 (moji) and 音素文字 (onso moji).
Meaning: an ordered set of letters used in a language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| アルファベット | arufabetto | [a̠ɾɯ̟ɸa̠be̞t̚to̞] (narrow) | often |
| 文字 | moji | [mõ̞ɲ̟d͡ʑi] (narrow) [mo̞ʑi] (narrow) |
|
| 音素文字 | onso moji | [õ̞ɰ̃so̞ mo̞ʑi] (narrow) |
In everyday Japanese, アルファベット is the standard way to refer to the Latin alphabet used in English and other languages.
Which one should you use?
While アルファベット refers specifically to the Latin/alphabetical system, 文字 is the general term for any character or letter in any writing system (including Kanji or Hiragana). 音素文字 is the technical linguistic term for an alphabetic system where characters represent phonemes, used in academic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting individual letters or characters, the counter 文字 is used, as seen in the phrase ２６文字 (26 letters).
How do you pronounce it?
arufabetto
Did you know?
- If you ask for the 'alphabet' in a Japanese classroom, a teacher might point to the 'Gojūon' table, which is the traditional way to order Japanese phonetic sounds, rather than a literal alphabet.
- While アルファベット refers to the Latin alphabet, Japanese speakers often use the term ローマ字 (romaji) to specifically mean the Latin script used for writing Japanese sounds.
- The word 文字 (moji) has its roots in Middle Chinese, meaning 'writing' and 'character', a connection that links the Japanese term to ancient Chinese linguistic history.
Examples in context
- Ａはアルファベットの最初の文字だ。A is the first letter of the alphabet.This sentence uses アルファベット to identify a specific letter.Tatoeba #234880 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #72255 by CK
- 英語のアルファベットは２６文字だ。The English alphabet has 26 letters.This sentence uses アルファベット to state the count of letters in the English alphabet.Tatoeba #1099164 by bunbuku, translation #26340 by CK
- アルファベットを大文字で書きなさい。Write the alphabet in capitals.This sentence uses アルファベット to give an instruction to use capital letters.Tatoeba #229923 by bunbuku, translation #67288 by CM
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren is helping Yui with her English homework.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、このアルファベットは正しく書けている？Yui, kono arufabetto wa tadashiku kakete iru?Yui, is this alphabet letter written correctly?
- 結衣 Yuiうーん、少し形が変かも。Uun, sukoshi katachi ga hen kamo.Hmm, the shape might be a bit strange.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、もう一度アルファベットを練習しよう。Jaa, mou ichido arufabetto o renshuu shiyou.Then, let's practice the alphabet one more time.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、蓮。助かるよ。Arigatou, Ren. Tasukaru yo.Thanks, Ren. That helps a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alphabet” translations and entries アルファベット, 文字, 音素文字, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries アルファベット, 文字, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
