リュックサック
ryukkusakku[ɾʲɨk̚kɯ̟̊sa̠k̚kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'backpack' is translated into Japanese as リュックサック (ryukkusakku). Wiktionary also lists リュック (ryukku) and バックパック (bakkupakku).
Meaning: worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| リュックサック | ryukkusakku | [ɾʲɨk̚kɯ̟̊sa̠k̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| リュック | ryukku | [ɾʲɨk̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| バックパック | bakkupakku | [ba̠k̚kɯ̟pa̠k̚kɯ̟] (narrow) |
This refers to a bag worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking.
Which one should you use?
While リュックサック is the full version of the loanword, it is often shortened to リュック in speech. For more specialized or professional contexts like hiking or technical outdoor gear, the term バックパック is often used. In contrast, リュック is a more general term for any bag worn on the back.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'to wear/carry a backpack', use the phrase リュックを背負う. The verb 背負う (seou) is specifically used for the action of carrying something on one's back, such as a backpack.
How do you pronounce it?
ryukkusakku
Did you know?
- The verb 背負う (seou) is used not only for backpacks but also metaphorically to describe 'bearing' a heavy responsibility or the burden of a family's expectations.
- In Japanese schools, the ランドセル (randoseru) is a specific type of sturdy backpack used by elementary students that is often considered a rite of passage and kept for all six years of primary school.
- The most common way to say 'backpack' in Japanese, リュック, actually comes from the German word 'Rucksack' rather than English.
Examples in context
- 彼女はリュックを背負っている。She is carrying a backpack on her back.This sentence shows how to describe someone carrying a backpack using リュック.Tatoeba #10077167 by bunbuku, translation #316151 by CM
- これはリュックの中に入れといて。Put this in your backpack.This sentence demonstrates how to ask someone to put something inside a backpack using リュック.Tatoeba #10630156 by small_snow, translation #5469231 by CK
- 私のリュック、とても重いですよ。My backpack is very heavy.This sentence is a way to describe the weight of a backpack using リュック.Tatoeba #10630157 by small_snow, translation #10629083 by CK
- 私のバックパックは大きくて丈夫です。My backpack is big and sturdy.
- バックパックはどこで買えますか？Where can I buy a backpack?
- ザックはどこで手に入る？Where can I get a backpack?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are preparing for a hiking trip.
- 結衣 Yui新しいリュックサック、買ったんだ。Atarashii ryukkusakku, katta nda.I bought a new backpack.
- 健太 Kenta本当？デザインがかっこいいね。Honto? Dezain ga kakkoii ne.Really? The design is cool.
- 結衣 Yui登山の時に使う予定だよ。Tozan no toki ni tsukau yotei da yo.I plan to use it when hiking.
- 健太 Kenta結衣のリュックサック、僕のより大きそうだね。Yui no ryukkasakku, boku no yori ookisou da ne.Yui, your backpack looks bigger than mine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backpack” translations and entries リュックサック, リュック, バックパック, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries バックパック, リュックサック, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
