ノートパソコン
nōto pasokon[no̞ːto̞pa̠so̞kõ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'laptop' is expressed as ノートパソコン (nōto pasokon). If unsure, use ノートパソコン. Wiktionary also lists ラップトップ (rapputoppu).
Meaning: computing: a laptop computer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ノートパソコン | nōto pasokon | [no̞ːto̞pa̠so̞kõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| ラップトップ | rapputoppu | [ɾa̠p̚pɯ̟̊to̞p̚pɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term is used to refer to a laptop computer. While ノートパソコン is the standard term, you may also encounter the term パソコン (pasokon), which is a shortened form used to refer to any personal computer, including desktops, depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
ノートパソコン is a compound of the English word 'note' (referring to a notebook) and pasokon, which is a Japanese abbreviation for 'personal computer'.
Which one should you use?
ノートパソコン is the most common way to refer to a laptop in daily conversation. ラップトップ is a direct phonetic transliteration of the English word 'laptop' and is used less frequently, typically appearing in technical contexts or specific product branding.
How do you pronounce it?
nōto pasokon
Did you know?
- In the early days of computing, Japanese users referred to personal computers as マイコン (maikon), a blend of 'my' and 'computer'.
- Japanese speakers often omit the word パソコン entirely and simply say ノート when the context of computing is already clear.
- The word パソコン is a 'portmanteau' created by taking the first syllables of 'personal' パーソナル and 'computer' コンピューター.
Examples in context
- ノートパソコンがない。I don't have a laptop.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have a laptop.Tatoeba #10901651 by small_snow, translation #8018208 by OsoHombre
- ノートパソコンが欲しい。I want a laptop.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a laptop.Tatoeba #11924187 by small_snow, translation #10791114 by ddnktr
- ノートパソコンが必要なの。I need a laptop.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a laptop.Tatoeba #9065741 by small_snow, translation #2635019 by Joseph
- データはノートパソコンに保存してください。Please save the data on your laptop.
- 新しい携帯型パソコンを購入しました。I bought a new laptop.
- パソコンを持ってきたから、一緒にゲームしよう！I brought my laptop, so let's play games together!
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki新しいノートパソコンを買いました。Atarashii nōtopasokon o kaimashita.I bought a new laptop.
- 陽太 Yotaそれはいいですね。Sore wa ii desu ne.That's nice.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんのノートパソコンは古いですか？Yōta-san no nōtopasokon wa furui desu ka?Is your laptop old, Yota?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、とても古いです。Hai, totemo furui desu.Yes, it is very old.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laptop” translations and entries ノートパソコン, ラップトップ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
