筆箱
fudebako[ɸɯ̟de̞ba̠ko̞]
The English phrase "pencil case" can be translated into Japanese as 筆箱 (fudebako). Wiktionary also lists 筆入れ (fudeire) and ペンケース (pen kēsu).
Meaning: object purposed to contain stationery (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 筆箱 | fudebako | [ɸɯ̟de̞ba̠ko̞] (narrow) |
| 筆入れ | fudeire | |
| ペンケース | pen kēsu |
The term refers to an object used to contain stationery.
Which one should you use?
筆箱 (fudebako) is a more traditional or standard term. In contrast, ペンケース (pen kēsu) is a modern loanword often used for more contemporary or stylish designs. 筆入れ (fudeire) uses the concept of "putting in" a writing instrument.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ペンケース (pen kēsu) is a modern term commonly used in retail and for modern stationery products.
How do you pronounce it?
fudebako
Did you know?
- High-end 筆箱 are sometimes crafted from traditional lacquerware, turning a simple school item into a piece of luxury art.
- In Japanese schools, the 筆箱 is often part of a strictly defined set of belongings that students must organize meticulously on their desks during exams.
- The word 筆 (fude) in 筆箱 originally referred to traditional calligraphy brushes rather than modern graphite pencils. Using it today preserves a linguistic link to ancient writing traditions.
Examples in context
- 家に筆箱忘れちゃった。I forgot my pencil case at home.This sentence shows how to express forgetting your 筆箱 at home.Tatoeba #8612386 by small_snow, translation #4351102 by AlanF_US
- トムはバナナの形をしたペンケースを使っている。Tom is using a banana shaped pencil-case.This sentence describes someone using a banana shaped ペンケース.Tatoeba #2907115 by tommy_san, translation #9985986 by tsp_2
- 新しい筆箱を買いました。Atarashii fudebako o kaimashita.I bought a new pencil case.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are preparing for class in a classroom.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、筆箱を貸してくれる？Youta-kun, fudebako o kashite kureru?Youta, can you lend me your pencil case?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。はい、どうぞ。Ii yo. Hai, douzo.Sure. Here you go.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう！助かるよ。Arigatou! Tasukaru yo.Thanks! That helps a lot.
- 陽太 Yotaいいえ。ゆっくり使ってね。Iie. Yukkuri tsukatte ne.No problem. Take your time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil case” translations and entries 筆箱, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
