Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for 'cigarette' is タバコ (tabako). It can refer to a single cigarette, the act of smoking, or tobacco in general. In casual speech, タバコ is often used without a counter. More formal or specific terms exist but are less common in daily conversation.
The learner wants to refer to a cigarette or tobacco in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word. Can mean a single cigarette, a pack, or the act of smoking. Often written in katakana, but may also appear in hiragana (たばこ) or kanji (煙草).
Kanji form of タバコ. Less common in modern writing but still seen in literature or formal contexts. Same meaning and usage.
煙草の煙が苦手です。
I don't like cigarette smoke.
Loanword from English. Used in brand names or to emphasize a Western-style cigarette, but タバコ is far more natural in daily speech.
シガレットケースを買った。
I bought a cigarette case.
The learner wants to specify a number of individual cigarettes.
Use the counter 本 (ほん) for long, cylindrical objects. The reading changes depending on the number: いっぽん (1), にほん (2), さんぼん (3), etc.
タバコを二本吸った。
I smoked two cigarettes.
タバコを一本もらえますか？
Can I have a cigarette?
The learner wants to refer to a pack of cigarettes.
Literally 'cigarette box'. The most straightforward way to say a pack of cigarettes.
タバコの箱を開ける。
Open a pack of cigarettes.
Refers to a carton of cigarettes (usually 10 packs). Used when buying in bulk.
タバコをカートンで買うと安い。
It's cheaper to buy cigarettes by the carton.
The learner wants to describe the action of smoking a cigarette.
The standard verb phrase for 'to smoke a cigarette'. 吸う means 'to inhale/smoke'.
彼は毎日タバコを吸う。
He smokes cigarettes every day.
ここでタバコを吸ってもいいですか？
Is it okay to smoke here?
Means 'to take a smoke break' or 'have a puff'. More casual and implies a short break.
ちょっと一服しましょう。
Let's take a smoke break.
The learner wants to refer to the remains of a smoked cigarette.
Cigarette butt. Commonly seen on signs or in rules about littering.
吸い殻を捨てないでください。
Please don't throw away cigarette butts.
Ash (from a cigarette or fire). Use タバコの灰 to be specific.
灰皿に灰を落とす。
Tap the ash into the ashtray.
While understood, シガレット sounds unnatural and overly English. Stick to タバコ.
タバコを吸いますか？
Do you smoke?
In phrases like タバコをやめる (quit smoking) or タバコ休憩 (smoke break), タバコ refers to the habit, not a physical cigarette.