Translation guide
A decorative label pasted into a book to indicate ownership. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with the word 蔵書票 (zōshohyō), but the concept is less common than in Western cultures. For practical communication, describing it as a 'name sticker for books' may be more natural.
蔵書票
bookplate
Standard term, but may not be widely known. In casual contexts, 名前シール (name sticker) is more common.
The speaker wants to refer to a decorative label pasted inside a book to show who owns it.
The standard Japanese term for a bookplate. It is a compound of 蔵書 (collection of books) and 票 (label/ticket). This is the most direct equivalent, though not universally known.
この蔵書票は美しいですね。
This bookplate is beautiful, isn't it?
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a label showing the book's owner'. Use this when the listener might not know the term 蔵書票.
本の持ち主を示すラベルを貼っています。
I'm putting a label in the book to show who it belongs to.
Literally 'name sticker'. This is a very common, everyday term for any sticker with one's name, including those used in books. It lacks the decorative nuance of a traditional bookplate but is widely understood.
教科書に名前シールを貼った。
I put a name sticker on my textbook.
A book ownership seal or stamp, rather than a pasted label. This is a traditional Japanese alternative to a bookplate, often using a personal seal (hanko).
Bookplates are less common in Japan than in the West. Many Japanese people use simple name stickers or personal seals (蔵書印) instead. If you're talking about a decorative bookplate, 蔵書票 is correct, but be prepared to explain it.
祖父の蔵書印が押してある。
My grandfather's book stamp is imprinted.