ナプキン
napukin[na̠pɯ̟̊kʲĩɴ]
The Japanese word for napkin is ナプキン (napukin).
The word ナプキン is used to refer to a napkin. If you specifically want to refer to a disposable paper napkin, you can use the term 紙ナプキン.
Meaning: serviette (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
napukin
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that while ナプキン refers to a napkin, the word ハンカチ (hankachi) literally translates to handkerchief and can refer to a small towel or fabric used to wipe hands or mouths.
Did you know?
- In Japan, the word ナプキン is frequently used as a shorthand for 'sanitary napkin'. Depending on the context, asking for a ナプキン in a pharmacy or restroom will be understood as a request for a menstrual product rather than a table cloth.
- In many Japanese restaurants, you might be handed a wet, steaming towel called おしぼり (oshibori) instead of a dry napkin.
- The word ナプキン is a loanword from English, written in Katakana to indicate its foreign origin.
Examples in context
- ナプキンを貰ってもよろしいでしょうか？Could I have a napkin, please?This sentence is useful for asking to have a ナプキン.Tatoeba #7577141 by Shake, translation #4013722 by CK
- テーブルの上にナプキンがあります。Tēburu no ue ni napukin ga arimasu.There is a napkin on the table.
- 汚れたので、新しいナプキンをください。Yogoreta node, atarashii napukin o kudasai.It got dirty, so please give me a new napkin.
Example conversation
A couple is eating at a restaurant.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、ナプキンを取ってくれる？Misaki, napukin o totte kureru?Misaki, can you pass me a napkin?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、どうぞ。hai, douzo.Yes, here you go.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。arigatou.Thanks.
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、どういたしまして。iie, douitashimashite.No problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “napkin” translations and entries ナプキン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ナプキン, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
