Translation guide
The English word 'folder' can refer to a physical paper folder, a digital directory, or a folded pamphlet. This guide covers natural Japanese for each meaning.
A folded cardboard or plastic cover for holding loose papers.
The most common loanword for a paper folder. Widely understood.
書類をフォルダーに入れてください。
Please put the documents in the folder.
Often used for a binder or file folder. Can also mean a digital file, so context matters.
このファイルにレポートを綴じてください。
Please bind the report in this file.
Literally 'paper holder'. A traditional term, less common in modern offices.
祖父は紙挟みに手紙を整理していた。
My grandfather organized letters in a paper folder.
A virtual container for organizing files on a computer or device.
The standard term for a digital folder in most operating systems and software.
新しいフォルダーを作成してください。
Please create a new folder.
A shorter variant, often seen in technical contexts or older systems.
Technical term for directory, used in programming or command-line interfaces.
A printed sheet folded into a small booklet or map.
Literally 'folding pamphlet'. Clear and descriptive.
観光案内所で折り畳みパンフレットをもらいました。
I got a folding pamphlet at the tourist information center.
Traditional accordion-folded book or pamphlet. Not common for modern leaflets.
ファイル (file) usually means a binder or a digital file, not a folder. Use フォルダー for both paper and digital folders to avoid confusion.
ファイルをフォルダーに保存する。
Save the file in the folder.
That file is in the root folder.
カレントディレクトリを確認してください。
Check the current directory.
Loanword for leaflet, often implies a single folded sheet.
商品のリーフレットを配布しています。
We are distributing product leaflets.
この折り本は地図になっています。
This folded book is a map.