Translation guide
A computer system that allows users to post and read messages, share files, and interact online. In Japanese, this is most commonly referred to as 掲示板 (keijiban), which literally means 'bulletin board' and is used for both physical and online boards. The full term 電子掲示板 (denshi keijiban) explicitly means 'electronic bulletin board', but the shorter form is far more common in everyday usage.
To refer to a website or online service where users can post messages and reply to others, similar to a forum or message board.
The most common and natural term for any online bulletin board or message board. It can refer to anything from a simple guestbook to a large forum. Often abbreviated as BBS (ビービーエス) in technical contexts.
インターネットの掲示板に書き込む。
Post on an internet bulletin board.
その掲示板はもう閉鎖された。
That bulletin board has already been shut down.
Literally 'electronic bulletin board'. This is the full technical term, but it's less common in casual conversation. Use this when you need to be explicit that it's an online system, especially in formal or technical writing.
電子掲示板システムを導入しました。
We introduced an electronic bulletin board system.
The English abbreviation 'BBS' is widely recognized in Japanese, especially among tech-savvy users. It's often used in the names of specific services or in technical discussions.
昔はよくBBSを利用していた。
I used to use BBSes a lot back in the day.
To refer to a physical board in a public space where people can pin up notices, announcements, or advertisements.
The same word is used for physical bulletin boards. Context usually makes it clear whether it's online or physical.
大学の掲示板にサークルの勧誘ポスターが貼ってある。
There's a club recruitment poster on the university bulletin board.
In Japanese, 掲示板 (keijiban) is the go-to word for any kind of message board, whether online or physical. You don't need to specify 'system' unless you're being very technical. For example, 'I read it on a bulletin board' is simply 掲示板で読んだ (keijiban de yonda).