Translation guide
A large outdoor advertising structure, typically found along roads or in public spaces. In Japanese, the most common term is 看板 (kanban), but other words exist for specific types like electronic billboards or large signboards.
The most common way to refer to a billboard or signboard in Japanese, used for advertising, shop signs, etc.
The standard word for a signboard or billboard. It can refer to anything from a small shop sign to a large roadside billboard.
That billboard really stands out.
Specifically an advertising billboard. More precise than 看板 when you want to emphasize it's for advertising.
A very large billboard, often seen along highways or in prominent outdoor locations.
Literally 'large billboard'. Used for big roadside billboards.
A billboard that uses electronic displays, such as LED screens, often found in urban areas.
Referring to the Billboard music charts (e.g., Billboard Hot 100). This is a proper noun and should be used as is.
看板 (kanban) is for advertising or commercial signs, while 標識 (hyōshiki) refers to traffic signs, road signs, or other informational/regulatory signs. Don't confuse them.
Drive according to the road signs.
If you mean a small sign like a price tag or a notice on a wall, 看板 might sound too grand. Use 表示 (hyōji) or 札 (fuda) for smaller labels or tags.
We put up a new signboard.
There's a big advertising billboard along the highway.
A large billboard stands at the entrance to the town.
A formal term for an outdoor advertising tower or large billboard structure. Often used in business or legal contexts.
The installation of outdoor advertising towers is regulated in this area.
An electronic signboard or display board. Commonly used for digital billboards, information boards in stations, etc.
I checked the train times on the electronic board at the station.
There's a big electronic billboard at the Shibuya crossing.
Borrowed from English 'digital signage'. Used for modern digital advertising displays, often in commercial facilities.
Digital signage was introduced in the shopping mall.
The Japanese name for the Billboard music charts. Used in the same way as in English.
Her song reached number one on the Billboard charts.