電卓
dentaku[dẽ̞nta̠kɯ̟]
The Japanese word for calculator is 電卓 (dentaku). Wiktionary also lists 計算機 (keisanki).
Meaning: electronic device that performs mathematical calculations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 電卓 | dentaku | [dẽ̞nta̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 計算機 | keisanki | [ke̞ːsã̠ŋʲkʲi] (narrow) |
The term for a calculator depends on whether you are referring to a standard handheld device or a broader class of calculating machinery. Use 電卓 when referring to the small, portable electronic calculators used for basic arithmetic. Use 計算機 when referring to a machine designed for calculation, which can include computers or more complex scientific devices.
Which one should you use?
電卓 (dentaku) is the most common word for a handheld or standard electronic calculator used in daily life or school. In contrast, 計算機 (keisanki) is a broader term that can refer to any calculating machine, such as computers or complex scientific calculators.
How do you pronounce it?
dentaku
Did you know?
- The suffix 機 (ki) in 計算機 is used for many types of machinery, such as 'airplane' (飛行機, hikōki). This links your calculator to the same linguistic family as large mechanical vehicles.
- The common word 電卓 (dentaku) is actually a linguistic contraction. It is a shorthand way of saying 'electronic desk calculator', combining the first parts of several words into one.
- In Japanese professional settings, specifically in accounting, the layout of a 電卓 is often specialized with larger tax-calculation keys that are not found on standard English-market calculators.
Examples in context
- 計算機使えば。Use a calculator.This sentence shows how to suggest using a 計算機.Tatoeba #11741925 by small_snow, translation #10143605 by ddnktr
- これは私の電卓よ。This is my calculator.This sentence is used to identify a personal 電卓.Tatoeba #9069343 by small_snow, translation #7714038 by MisterBrown
- 電卓は使ってもいいですか？Can we use a calculator?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use a 電卓.Tatoeba #11831612 by small_snow, translation #10110287 by ddnktr
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are studying for a math test together.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、電卓を持っていない？Misaki, dentaku o motte inai?Misaki, do you have a calculator?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、カバンの中にあるよ。Un, kaban no naka ni aru yo.Yes, it's in my bag.
- 健太 Kentaちょっと電卓を貸してくれる？Chotto dentaku o kashite kureru?Can you lend me the calculator for a bit?
- 美咲 Misakiいいよ。はい、どうぞ。Ii yo. Hai, douzo.Sure. Here you go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calculator” translations and entries 電卓, 計算機, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 計算機, 電卓, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
