Translation guide
The English word 'card' covers many physical and digital objects, from payment cards to playing cards. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word based on what kind of card they mean.
A flat, usually plastic card used for identification, membership, payment, or access.
The most common and versatile word for any plastic or paper card, including credit cards, membership cards, and ID cards. Borrowed from English.
クレジットカードはありますか？
Do you have a credit card?
会員カードをお持ちですか？
Do you have a membership card?
One of a set of small rectangular pieces of stiff paper used in games.
Refers to Western-style playing cards as a whole or a deck. Note: it does not mean a single card; for one card, use カード or 札.
トランプをしましょう。
Let's play cards.
Can be used for a single playing card, especially in games like Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh!.
このカードは強い。
This card is strong.
Traditional Japanese playing cards, like hanafuda or karuta. Also used for a single card in some contexts.
花札の札を集めています。
I collect hanafuda cards.
A piece of stiff paper with a message, sent on special occasions.
Used for greeting cards, birthday cards, etc. Often combined with the occasion.
誕生日カードを送った。
I sent a birthday card.
Specifically a postcard. Used for New Year's cards (年賀状) or plain postcards.
A small card with one's name and professional information.
The standard word for business card. Exchanging 名刺 is an important ritual in Japanese business.
名刺を交換しましょう。
Let's exchange business cards.
A circuit board or expansion card.
Used for memory cards, graphics cards, etc.
メモリーカードを入れてください。
Please insert the memory card.
A list of dishes or options, often in a restaurant.
While not a direct translation of 'card', this is the natural word for a menu. 'Wine card' would be ワインリスト.
ワインリストを見せてください。
Please show me the wine card/list.
トランプ refers to a deck of cards or the game itself. To refer to a single playing card, use カード or 札.
カードを一枚引いてください。
Please draw one card.
I bought New Year's postcards.