机
tsukue[t͡sɨ̥kɯ̟e̞]
The Japanese word for desk is 机 (tsukue).
机 refers to a table used specifically for activities such as writing or reading.
Meaning: table for writing and reading (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tsukue
Did you know?
- The word 机 is used in the idiom 机上の空論, which describes a 'desk-top theory' or an idea that sounds good in theory but is impractical in reality.
- While 机 is a standard noun, in many traditional Japanese settings, a low desk or table used for sitting on the floor is more commonly called a ちゃぶ台 (chabudai).
- If you are looking for a desk in a very modern or trendy setting, you might see the katakana word デスク (desuku) used instead of the traditional 机.
Examples in context
- 私の机は古い。My desk is old.This sentence is useful for describing the age of your 机.Tatoeba #163877 by small_snow, translation #250633 by CK
- この机、いいよ。This desk is good.This sentence is useful for expressing that a particular 机 is good.Tatoeba #9229382 by bunbuku, translation #59847 by CK
- 机は埃まみれだ。Dust covers the desk.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of a 机 being covered in dust.Tatoeba #10735611 by small_snow, translation #33463 by AlanF_US
- 私のオフィスには美しい木製の机があります。There is a beautiful wooden desk in my office.
- 友達の家には大きなつくえがあります。My friend's house has a big desk.
- 171 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is looking for a place to study in a cafe.
- 蓮 Renこの机、使ってもいい？Kono tsukue, tsukatte mo ii?Can I use this desk?
- 陽葵 Himariいいですよ。どうぞ。Ii desu yo. Douzo.Yes, you may. Go ahead.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 陽葵 Himariいえいえ。Iie iie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “desk” translations and entries 机, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
