Japanese word

文房具

Pronunciation

Romajibunbōgu

Meaning

  • nounstationery

Example

文房具を買いました。bun bō gu o ka i ma shi ta

I bought some stationery.

Illustration for 文房具 (stationery)

More examples

新学期の前に、必要な文房具をそろえます。shin gak ki no mae ni hitsu yō na bun bō gu o so ro e ma su

I gather the stationery I need before the new school term.

Core concept

Names the supplies that support ordinary writing, paper handling, and other activities performed at a desk.

Common phrases

  • 文房具を買うbun bō gu o ka u

    buy stationery

  • 文房具を使うbun bō gu o tsuka u

    use stationery

  • 文房具を選ぶbun bō gu o era bu

    choose stationery

Similar words

筆記用具hikkiyōgu: Tools used to write by hand, such as pens, pencils, and markers.
事務用品jimuyōhin: Supplies used for clerical tasks in an office or other workplace.
学用品gakuyōhin: Supplies used by students for learning and school activities.

Definition in Japanese

筆記や紙を扱う作業に使う道具や用品。hik ki ya kami o atsuka u sa gyō ni tsuka u dō gu ya yō hin

Word origin

文房具 (bunbōgu) is formed from 文房 (bunbō), meaning a study or writing room, and 具 (gu, "tool"); 文 (bun, "writing") and 房 (bō, "room") make up 文房.

Usage tips

  • In English, stationery is a useful spelling distinction from stationary because the first refers to desk supplies and the second refers to a fixed position.

Related words

  • 文房具屋bunbōguyastationery storenoun

Word lists with this word