Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ビニール袋 | binīru bukuro | [bʲiɲ̟iːɾɯ̟ bɯ̟kɯ̟ɾo̞] (narrow) |
| ビニ袋 | bini bukuro | |
| ポリ袋 | pori bukuro | [po̞ɾʲibɯ̟kɯ̟ɾo̞] (narrow) |
| プラスチック袋 | purasuchikku bukuro | |
| 袋 | fukuro | [ɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟ɾo̞] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the term used for a plastic bag depends on the context and how specific you want to be. While several terms exist, ビニール袋 is the standard way to refer to thin packaging. If you are in a retail setting and simply ask for a 袋, the clerk will understand that you are requesting a plastic bag. Additionally, if you are specifically referring to a bag obtained from a convenience store, you can use コンビニ袋.
Which one should you use?
Although プラスチック袋 is a direct translation of 'plastic bag', the term ビニール袋 is much more common in daily conversation when referring to thin shopping bags. You may also encounter ビニ袋, which is a common colloquial contraction of ビニール袋 used in casual speech. ポリ袋 is another variation used for such items. Finally, 袋 simply means 'bag', but it is often used as a shorthand for a plastic bag in shops.
How do you pronounce it?
binīru bukuro
Did you know?
- Although ビニール袋 is the common term for a plastic bag, the word ビニール refers to PVC, whereas most modern shopping bags are actually made of polyethylene.
- In Japanese supermarkets, you may see signs for レジ袋 (reji bukuro). This is a compound of the English word 'register' and the Japanese word for 'bag', specifically referring to the bags used at the checkout counter.
- In Japan, asking for a 袋 at a convenience store now often triggers a question about whether you want to pay a small fee, as charging for plastic bags became mandatory nationwide in 2020.
Examples in context
- ビニール袋に入れてください。Could I have a plastic bag for those?This sentence is useful for asking for a plastic bag.Tatoeba #197456 by small_snow, translation #34642 by CM
- 石綿金網を発見された場合飛散防止のため石綿の部分を水に濡らしてビニール袋に包み安全を確保して下さい。In the event that asbestos-covered mesh is found, ensure its safety by damping the asbestos portion to prevent dust release and wrapping in a plastic bag.This sentence is useful for describing how to wrap materials in a plastic bag for safety.Tatoeba #391894 by blay_paul, translation #391895 by blay_paul
- 5月18日、1歳になる彼らの子供がプラスティック袋に包まれて排水溝に棄てられているのが見つかり、若い日本人カップルが逮捕された。On May 18, a young Japanese couple was arrested after their one-year-old baby was found wrapped in a plastic bag and dumped in a gutter.This sentence shows the use of 袋 to refer to a bag in a news context.Tatoeba #882381 by thyc244, translation #2269 by darinmex
- 昨日、コンビニ袋を忘れちゃった。I forgot to bring a convenience store bag yesterday.
Example conversation
At a supermarket checkout counter.
- 陽葵 Himariビニール袋は要りますか？Biniiru bukuro wa irimasu ka?Do you need a plastic bag?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、お願いします。Hai, onegaishimasu.Yes, please.
- 陽葵 Himariレジ袋は有料になります。Rejibukuro wa yuuryou ni narimasu.Plastic bags cost extra.
- 陽太 Yotaわかりました。一枚ください。Wakarimashita. Ichimai kudasai.I understand. One, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plastic bag” translations and entries ビニール袋, ポリ袋, 袋, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
