Translation guide
The Japanese abacus is called そろばん. It is still used for calculation and education. The English word 'abacus' can also refer to the top part of a column in classical architecture, but that meaning is rare and technical.
そろばん
abacus (Japanese)
Referring to the traditional Japanese counting frame with beads.
The standard word for the Japanese abacus. It is a common tool taught in schools.
子供の頃、そろばんを習っていました。
I learned abacus when I was a child.
彼はそろばんが得意です。
He is good at the abacus.
Kanji form of そろばん. Rarely used in modern writing; the kana form is standard.
算盤は中国から伝わりました。
The abacus was introduced from China.
Referring to abacuses from other cultures or in a generic sense.
Even for non-Japanese abacuses, そろばん is commonly used. To specify a Chinese abacus, you can say 中国のそろばん.
中国のそろばんは玉の数が違います。
The Chinese abacus has a different number of beads.
Loanword from English. Used mainly in technical or historical contexts to distinguish from the Japanese そろばん.
古代ローマのアバカスが展示されています。
An ancient Roman abacus is on display.
Referring to the flat slab on top of a column capital in classical architecture.
Technical term in architecture. Not commonly known outside of specialized fields.
ドーリア式の柱頭の上にアバクスがあります。
There is an abacus on top of the Doric capital.
In almost all everyday situations, そろばん is the correct word. The loanword アバカス is rarely needed unless you are specifically contrasting with non-Japanese types in an academic context.