Translation guide
The most common word for bread in Japanese is パン (pan), a loanword from Portuguese. It covers most types of bread, including sliced bread, rolls, and buns. For specific types, compound words are used.
The learner wants to refer to bread in general, such as sliced bread, a loaf, or the food category.
The standard word for bread. Covers most Western-style breads, including sliced bread, dinner rolls, and buns. Not used for traditional Japanese rice or noodle dishes.
朝ごはんはパンとコーヒーです。
Breakfast is bread and coffee.
パンを買ってきてください。
Please buy some bread.
The learner wants to specify sliced bread or a whole loaf, often for toast or sandwiches.
Literally 'eating bread', this refers to a loaf of plain white or wheat bread, typically sliced. Used for toast and sandwiches.
食パンを一斤買いました。
I bought a loaf of bread.
この食パンはふわふわでおいしい。
This bread is soft and delicious.
Means 'one loaf of bread'. 一斤 is the counter for a whole loaf.
パン一斤はいくらですか？
How much is a loaf of bread?
The learner wants to refer to individual bread rolls, dinner rolls, or buns.
A bread roll, often slightly sweet and soft. Common in bakeries.
ロールパンを二つください。
Two rolls, please.
Can also refer to individual rolls or buns when context is clear, especially in compounds.
焼きたてのパンが食べたい。
I want to eat freshly baked bread (rolls).
The learner wants to refer to sweet baked goods like pastries, sweet buns, or Danish.
Sweet bread or filled buns, such as anpan (red bean bun) or melonpan. Distinct from cakes and cookies.
菓子パンはおやつにぴったりです。
Sweet bread is perfect for a snack.
Loanword for pastry, often used for Western-style pastries like croissants or Danish.
The learner wants to use 'bread' metaphorically to mean one's livelihood or basic needs.
Means 'livelihood' or 'bread and butter'. Used in expressions like 'earn one's bread'.
彼は家族のために生活の糧を稼いでいる。
He earns his bread for his family.
Literary term for 'livelihood', often used in the phrase 糊口をしのぐ (to eke out a living).
彼は糊口をしのぐために必死に働いた。
He worked desperately to earn his bread.
パン refers specifically to Western-style bread. It is not used for rice (ご飯), noodles (麺), or other traditional Japanese staples. If you say パン, Japanese people will think of sliced bread, rolls, or bakery items.
パン is the general term for bread. 食パン specifically means a loaf of plain bread, usually sliced. If you want to buy a loaf for toast, ask for 食パン. If you just want some bread, パン is fine.
The pastries at that shop are exquisite.