ボタン
botan[bo̞tã̠ɴ]
The English word "button" is translated into Japanese as ボタン (botan).
ボタン refers to a knob or small disc serving as a fastener (noun).
Meaning: knob or small disc serving as a fastener (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ボタン refers to a physical fastener or a push-button, it is distinct from 牡丹 (botan), which means 'peony' (the flower), despite having the same pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
botan
Did you know?
- The Japanese word ボタン was borrowed from the Portuguese word 'botão' rather than English.
- The word ボタン entered the Japanese language as early as 1651 during the era of Portuguese trade.
- Japanese uses the word ボタン to describe the 'buttons' on a game console, but the 'buttons' on a keyboard are called キー (key).
Examples in context
- ボタンが取れた。The button came off.Tatoeba #196248 by small_snow, translation #33425 by CK
- ボタンに触れるな！Don't touch that button!Tatoeba #196247 by small_snow, translation #33426 by CK
- このボタンは緩い。This button is loose.Tatoeba #223176 by bunbuku, translation #60508 by CK
- 今、黄色いボタンを押してください。Now, please press the yellow button.
- この機械のボタンを使ってください。Please use the buttons on this machine.
- あの大きいボタン、押してみて！Try pressing that big button!
- ゲームのコントローラーにはたくさんのボタンがあります。Game controllers have a lot of buttons.
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are looking at a new shirt in a shop.
- 蓮 Renこのシャツ、ボタンが可愛いね。Kono shatsu, botan ga kawaii ne.This shirt, the buttons are cute.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だ。ボタンの色も素敵だよ。Honto da. Botan no iro mo suteki da yo.That's true. The color of the buttons is also lovely.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵は、このボタンの色、好きかな？Himari wa, kono botan no iro, suki kana?Himari, I wonder if you like the color of these buttons?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、すごく気に入ったよ！Un, sugoku kiniitta yo!Yes, I really like them!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “button” translations and entries ボタン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ボタン, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
