文房具
bunbōgu[bɯ̟̃mbo̞ːɡɯ̟]
The English phrase "stationery" can be translated into Japanese as 文房具 (bunbōgu). If unsure, use 文房具. Wiktionary also lists 文具 (bungu).
Meaning: writing materials (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 文房具 | bunbōgu | [bɯ̟̃mbo̞ːɡɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 文具 | bungu | [bɯ̟̃ŋɡɯ̟] (narrow) |
文房具 refers to writing materials. To say "stationery store", you can add the word for store to the end to form 文房具店. Other related items include enpitsu (pencil) and keshigomu (eraser).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 文房具 is composed of three parts: 文 (writing), 房 (room/chamber) and 具 (tool/utensil).
Which one should you use?
While 文房具 is the standard term for stationery, 文具 is a more concise version often used in business contexts or as a category name in retail.
How do you pronounce it?
bunbōgu
Did you know?
- In Japan, there is a specific category of stationery called fude-pen, which is a modern pen that mimics the flexible tip of a traditional calligraphy brush.
- Many Japanese stationery stores sell 'mechanical pencils' with highly complex features, such as lead that rotates automatically to prevent breaking, which are far more common than in the West.
- In Japanese, the word for 'tools' in 文房具 is 具, which is the same character used to describe 'ingredients' in cooking.
Examples in context
- 学校で使うノートや文房具を新しく買った。I bought new notebooks and stationery to use at school.Tatoeba #13179971 by Gardenia, translation #13219680 by Lumi
- 文房具店はどこにありますか？bunbougu-ten wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is a stationery store?
- この文房具はとても可愛いです。kono bunbougu wa totemo kawaii desu.This stationery is very cute.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are looking for supplies at a large department store.
- 蓮 Ren結衣、文房具売り場はどこかな？Yui, bunbougu uriba wa doko kana?Yui, I wonder where the stationery department is?
- 結衣 Yuiあそこにあるよ、蓮。Asoko ni aru yo, Ren.It's over there, Ren.
- 蓮 Renあ、本当だ。あそこに行こう。A, hontou da. Asoko ni ikou.Oh, you're right. Let's go there.
- 結衣 Yui新しいペンが欲しいな。Atarashii pen ga hoshii na.I want a new pen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stationery” translations and entries 文房具, 文具, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
