Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 一覧 | ichiran | [it͡ɕiɾã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 目録 | mokuroku | [mo̞kɯ̟ɾo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 名簿 | meibo | [me̞ːbo̞] (narrow) |
| リスト | risuto | [ɾʲisɨ̥to̞] (narrow) |
| 表 | hyō | [o̞mo̞te̞] (narrow) [ço̞ː] (narrow) |
The term for list in Japanese varies based on what is being listed and the level of formality required. You might use a term for a roster of people, a structured table or a formal catalog. Additionally, the idiomatic expression リストに載る is used to indicate that someone or something is included or appears on a list.
Which one should you use?
Choose your word based on the specific type of list: – Use 名簿 specifically for a list of names, such as a class list or a membership roster. – Use 一覧 when the list provides an overview or a quick glance at multiple items, such as a price list. – Use 目録 for a formal catalog or an inventory list, like an art collection or warehouse goods. – Use 表 if the list is organized in a structured format like a table or a chart.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
リスト is a common loanword from English that is widely used in everyday conversation and digital contexts. In contrast, terms like 一覧 and 目録 are more formal and specific.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
risuto
Did you know?
- Because the katakana word リスト is a phonetic loanword, it can be used to refer to the composer Franz Liszt. In Japanese musical contexts, his name is written using this exact same word.
- The word リスト is a homophone for the English word 'wrist' when written in katakana. While a 'list' is a piece of data, a 'wrist' is a part of the body, yet they are spelled identically in Japanese.
- The characters in 名簿 combine 'name' and 'ledger', harking back to a time when lists were kept in thick bound books rather than loose sheets.
Examples in context
- リストは次のとおり。The list is as follows.This sentence shows how to introduce a list.Tatoeba #192529 by KK_kaku_, translation #29693 by Eldad
- そのリストを見せて。Let me see that list.This sentence is used to request to see a list.Tatoeba #2063341 by bunbuku, translation #1860618 by CK
- リストに載ってたよ。Your name was on the list.This sentence uses the verb to express that someone is included on a list.Tatoeba #11049519 by small_snow, translation #6266955 by CK
- ご要望の一覧を提供してください。Please provide me with a list of your requirements.
- この一覧には、受賞者の名前が含まれています。This list contains the names of the winners.
- ここには受賞者の名前のリストがありますよ。This list contains the names of the winners.
- 次回のイベントのための提案一覧をまとめました。I have compiled a list of suggestions for the upcoming event.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are planning a shopping trip.
- 陽太 Yota買い物リストを作ったよ。Kaimono risuto o tsukutta yo.I made a shopping list.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。何が載っているの？Arigato. Nani ga notte iru no?Thanks. What is on it?
- 陽太 Yota野菜と果物のリストだよ。Yasai to kudamono no risuto dayo.It's a list of vegetables and fruits.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。一緒に買いに行こう。Ii yo. Issho ni kai ni ikou.Great. Let's go buy them together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “list” translations and entries 一覧, 目録, 名簿, リスト, 表, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries リスト, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
