荷札
nifuda[ɲ̟iɸɯ̟da̠]
The English word "label" can be translated into Japanese as 荷札 (nifuda). If unsure, use 荷札. Wiktionary also lists 貼り紙 (harigami) and 札 (fuda).
Meaning: small ticket or sign giving information (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 荷札 | nifuda | [ɲ̟iɸɯ̟da̠] (narrow) |
| 貼り紙 | harigami | [ha̠ɾʲiɡa̠mʲi] (narrow) |
| 札 | fuda | [sa̠t͡sɨ] (narrow) [ɸɯ̟da̠] (narrow) |
The term 荷札 is used to refer to a small ticket or sign that provides information. For product labels found on food packaging or clothing, the katakana loanword ラベル is frequently used instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 荷札 is a compound of 荷, meaning luggage or cargo and 札, meaning a tag or card.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what is being labeled. While 荷札 refers to a small tag attached to an object, 貼り紙 refers to a notice or sign posted on a wall or surface. Furthermore, 札 is a more general term for any tag, card or plaque, whereas 荷札 specifically implies a label for baggage or goods.
How do you pronounce it?
nifuda
Did you know?
- While 荷札 is for luggage, the word 札 also appears in the term for a bank note or paper money, お札.
- In traditional Japanese culture, 札 can refer to an 'ofuda', a sacred talisman or amulet pasted on walls to protect a home.
- In certain contexts, 札 is used in games to refer to 'tiles' or 'cards', such as in the card game 'Karuta'.
Examples in context
- 荷物にこの荷札を貼ってください。Please stick this label to your baggage.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use 荷札 when talking about baggage.Tatoeba #537493 by blay_paul, translation #537494 by blay_paul
- 製品の ラベル には、必要な警告文が記載されています。The necessary warnings are stated on the product label.
- この ラベル は、商品の内容を適切に表示しています。This label correctly displays the contents of the product.
- この缶にはどんな ラベル が付いているの?What kind of label is attached to this can?
- この服には ラベル が縫いつけてあります。This clothing has a label sewn onto it.
- この荷札には名前が書いてあります。Kono nifuda ni wa namae ga kaite arimasu.This label has a name written on it.
- 新しい荷札を準備してください。Atarashii nifuda o junbi shite kudasai.Please prepare a new label.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are preparing their bags for a trip.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くん、荷札は準備した？Ren-kun, nidatsu wa junbi shita?Ren, did you prepare the luggage labels?
- 蓮 Renあ、忘れてた。今から書くよ。A, wasurete ta. Ima kara kaku yo.Oh, I forgot. I'll write them now.
- 美咲 Misakiここに荷札があるよ。Koko ni nidatsu ga aru yo.There are some luggage labels here.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、美咲さん。Arigato, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “label” translations and entries 荷札, 貼り紙, 札, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
