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.
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.
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.
I smoked two cigarettes.
Can I have a cigarette?
The learner wants to refer to a pack of cigarettes.
The learner wants to describe the action of smoking a cigarette.
The learner wants to refer to the remains of a smoked cigarette.
While understood, シガレット sounds unnatural and overly English. Stick to タバコ.
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.
タバコをカートンで買うと安い。
It's cheaper to buy cigarettes by the carton.
Tap the ash into the ashtray.