テーブル
tēburu[te̞ːbɯ̟ɾɯ̟]
The English word "table" can be translated into Japanese in several ways, with the default form being テーブル (tēburu). Wiktionary also lists 台 (dai) and 机 (tsukue).
Meaning: item of furniture (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| テーブル | tēburu | [te̞ːbɯ̟ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 台 | dai | [ɯ̟te̞na̠] (narrow) |
| 机 | tsukue | [t͡sɨ̥kɯ̟e̞] (narrow) |
| 卓 | taku |
In Japanese, the word you choose depends on whether you are referring to a dining surface, a workspace, a platform or a formal technical term. While テーブル is a general-purpose loanword for furniture like dining or coffee tables, other words specify the function of the surface.
Which one should you use?
テーブル is used for general furniture such as dining or coffee tables. In contrast, 机 specifically refers to a desk used for working, studying or writing. The term 台 is used to refer to a stand, pedestal or a platform that holds an object rather than a flat surface for dining. Finally, 卓 is a more formal or technical term often used in compound words to denote a table or a surface, such as in 卓球 (table tennis).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tēburu
Did you know?
- When using a こたつ table, it is common for people to keep their legs under the blanket for warmth, a habit that often leads to people falling asleep during winter conversations.
- The word 台 can refer to a table in the sense of a 'stand' or 'base', and it is used in the word 台所 for 'kitchen', which literally means 'place of the stand'.
- While テーブル is a direct phonetic borrowing from English, it is almost exclusively used for western-style furniture and would feel out of place in a traditional Japanese room with low seating.
Examples in context
- 私の机は古い。My table is old.This sentence uses 机 to describe an old desk.Tatoeba #163877 by small_snow, translation #1401096 by marcelostockle
- テーブルの下よ。It's under the table.This sentence uses テーブル to describe something located under a table.Tatoeba #202412 by small_snow, translation #39623 by CK
- テーブルは緑です。The table is green.This sentence uses テーブル to describe a green table.Tatoeba #2774508 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #819041 by CM
- この部屋には美しいオークの天板を持つテーブルが置かれています。In this room, there is a table with a beautiful oak top surface.
- 今晩の晩ごはんを一緒にテーブルで食べましょう！Let's have dinner together at the table tonight!
- おばあちゃんの家に飯台が置いてあって、いつもおいしいごはんを食べられるんだ。At my grandma's house, there is a table, and we always get to eat delicious meals there.
- 食卓で家族と一緒に食事する時間は、私にとって特別なひとときだ。The time spent eating with family at the dining table is a special moment for me.
- 277 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are looking at furniture in a shop.
- 結衣 Yuiこのテーブル、どう思いますか？Kono tēburu, dō omoimasu ka?What do you think of this table?
- 大翔 Hirotoデザインがとても素敵ですね。Dezain ga totemo suteki desu ne.The design is very lovely.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんの家にも合いますよ。Hiroto-san no ie ni mo aimasu yo.It would also suit your house, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうですね。買いたいです。Sō desu ne. Kaitai desu.You're right. I want to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “table” translations and entries テーブル, 台, 机, 卓, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
