Translation guide
The English word "board" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a flat piece of material, a group of people in charge, meals provided, and getting onto a vehicle. It also notes related uses like a noticeboard or a board game.
A long, thin, flat piece of wood or other hard material, used for building, cutting, etc.
General word for a board, plank, or sheet of material. Used for wooden boards, cutting boards, etc.
この板は厚さが2センチです。
This board is 2 centimeters thick.
Please cut the vegetables on the cutting board.
Refers to board as a material or lumber, often in construction or woodworking contexts.
I went to the home center to buy some boards.
A group of people who manage or direct a company, organization, etc.
Board of directors for a company. The standard term in business contexts.
The board approved the new CEO.
Board of directors or trustees, often for non-profit organizations, schools, or associations.
Committee or board, often for specific purposes (e.g., education board).
Board of officers or executive board; less common than 取締役会.
The meals that are provided when you pay to stay somewhere, or as part of a school or lodging arrangement.
Meals. Often used in the phrase 食事付き (meals included).
The dorm fee is 50,000 yen a month including board.
Meals provided to employees, especially in restaurants or traditional inns. Can imply board as part of employment.
Same as まかない, often written with this kanji. Refers to staff meals.
To get on a plane, train, bus, ship, etc.
General verb for boarding or getting on a vehicle. Use with particle に.
Please show your passport before you board the plane.
We board the bus to go to school.
Formal verb for boarding, especially used for airplanes. Often seen in announcements.
We will begin boarding shortly.
Specifically for boarding a ship.
The boarding procedure for the ship is over there.
A flat surface where notices, advertisements, or information are displayed.
A game played on a flat surface with pieces, such as chess or Monopoly.
The English word 'board' covers many concepts that have distinct Japanese words. Using 板 (ita) for a board of directors or boarding a plane would be incorrect. Always match the meaning to the appropriate Japanese term.
取締役会 (torishimariyaku-kai) is specifically the board of directors in a company. 理事会 (riji-kai) is used for boards of non-profit organizations, schools, etc. In many contexts they are not interchangeable.
The board of directors will meet tomorrow.
Please board the bus from the rear door.
The notice is on the board.
理事会は予算案を可決した。
The board passed the budget proposal.
教育委員会が新しい教科書を選定した。
The board of education selected new textbooks.
An important decision was made at the board meeting.
この旅館では住み込みでまかない付きです。
This inn offers live-in work with board.
賄い料理はいつも美味しい。
The staff meals are always delicious.
They exchange information on an internet bulletin board.
I'll write the schedule on the whiteboard.
They brought out the shogi board and started a game.