日記
nikki[ɲ̟ik̚ʲkʲi]
The English word "diary" is translated into Japanese as 日記 (nikki). If unsure, use 日記. Wiktionary also lists 日記帳 (nikkichō).
Meaning: daily log of experiences (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 日記 | nikki | [ɲ̟ik̚ʲkʲi] (narrow) |
| 日記帳 | nikkichō | [ɲ̟ik̚ʲkʲit͡ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
The term 日記 is the most common and general way to refer to a diary. To express the habit of keeping or writing in a diary, use the verb phrase 日記をつける. Additionally, the borrowed English word ダイアリー can be used to refer to a personal diary.
Which one should you use?
While 日記 refers to the diary entries or the act of keeping a diary, 日記帳 specifically refers to the physical notebook or journal itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
日記 is a noun and does not change its form based on whether the diary is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
nikki
Did you know?
- When using the phrase 日記をつける, the verb つける literally translates to 'to attach' or 'to apply'. This gives the impression of 'attaching' your daily events to a record.
- While you can use the katakana loanword ダイアリー, it often carries a more stylish or Westernized connotation. It is frequently seen in titles of trendy stationery or lifestyle journals rather than in academic or traditional contexts.
- Japanese stationery stores often sell specialized 日記帳 with specific layouts for tracking mood, weather and habits alongside the text.
Examples in context
- 日記をつける。I keep a diary.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 日記 to say one keeps a diary.Tatoeba #8532793 by small_snow, translation #3887931 by AlanF_US
- 俺の日記を読むな！Don't read my diary.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 日記 to tell someone not to read your diary.Tatoeba #9143015 by small_snow, translation #1845512 by CK
- 毎日日記をつけている。I write in my diary every day.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 日記 to say you write in your diary every day.Tatoeba #81273 by huizi99, translation #1123567 by CK
- 私の日記を書く時間が大切です。Time to write my diary is important.
- 研究の日報には詳細なデータを書きます。I write detailed data in my research diary.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a library, Misaki is looking at Hiroto's notebook.
- 美咲 Misakiこれ、日記？Kore, nikki?Is this a diary?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、僕のたった一つの日記だよ。Un, boku no tatta hitotsu no nikki da yo.Yeah, it's my one and only diary.
- 美咲 Misakiすごく大切そうに持ってるね。Sugoku taisetsu sou ni motteru ne.You hold it very dearly.
- 大翔 Hiroto中身は見せないよ。Nakami wa misenai yo.I won't show you the contents.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “diary” translations and entries 日記, 日記帳, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
