ペン
pen[pẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for pen is ペン. Wiktionary also lists ボールペン (bōrupen) and 万年筆 (mannenhitsu).
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ペン | pen | [pẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| ボールペン | bōrupen | [bo̞ːɾɯ̟pẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 万年筆 | mannenhitsu | [mã̠nːẽ̞ɰ̃ɸɯ̟de̞] (narrow) [mã̠nːẽ̞ɰ̃çi̥t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
The term refers to a general writing tool.
Which one should you use?
While ペン is a general term for any writing instrument, ボールペン specifically refers to a ballpoint pen. Additionally, when referring specifically to a fountain pen, the term 万年筆 is used rather than the loanword ペン.
How do you pronounce it?
pen
Did you know?
- The word ペン entered the Japanese language via Dutch rather than English. This occurred during the Edo period when the Dutch were the only Westerners allowed to trade with Japan.
- In Japanese schools, students often use a シャープペンシル, which is a shortened version of 'sharp pencil'. This is actually a mechanical pencil, not a lead pencil.
- Japanese stationery often distinguishes between ボールペン and サインペン. A サインペン is a felt-tip marker, though its name suggests it is for signing documents.
Examples in context
- ペンはある？Do you have a pen?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a ペン.Tatoeba #9740651 by small_snow, translation #33771 by CK
- これはペンです。This is a pen.This sentence is useful for identifying an object as a ペン.Tatoeba #11600418 by KK_kaku_, translation #55842 by CK
- 私のペンを使うな。Don't use my pen.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to use your ペン.Tatoeba #164115 by small_snow, translation #250395 by CK
- この ボールペン は便利ですね。This ballpoint pen is convenient, isn't it?
- 189 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are at a desk studying together.
- 蓮 Renそのペンを貸してくれる？Sono pen o kashite kureru?Can you lend me that pen?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、はい、どうぞ。Ii yo, hai, douzo.Sure, here you go.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、助かるよ。Arigatou, tasukaru yo.Thanks, that helps a lot.
- 陽葵 Himari気にしないで。Ki ni shinai de.Don't mention it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries ペン, ボールペン, 万年筆, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ペン, ボールペン, 万年筆, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
