Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'napkin' depends on the material and context. The most common everyday term is ナプキン, but for paper napkins at meals, 紙ナプキン is often used. Cloth napkins are ナプキン or 布ナプキン. Be aware that ナプキン can also mean 'sanitary napkin', so context is important.
The most common loanword for 'napkin'. It can refer to both paper and cloth napkins, but in everyday use, it often implies a paper napkin unless specified.
Please pass me a napkin.
Please put napkins on the table.
Specifically a paper napkin. Use this when you need to distinguish from cloth napkins or sanitary napkins.
The paper napkins are over there.
A cloth napkin. Used in formal dining or when emphasizing reusability.
This restaurant uses cloth napkins.
An absorbent pad worn during menstruation.
The standard term for 'sanitary napkin'. Often shortened to just ナプキン in context, but using the full term avoids ambiguity.
I need to buy sanitary napkins.
Short for 生理用ナプキン. Commonly used in casual conversation when the context is clear.
Without context, ナプキン can be ambiguous. Use 生理用ナプキン to be clear.
A piece of absorbent material worn by babies.
The standard word for 'diaper'. Not directly 'napkin', but in older or British English, 'napkin' can mean 'diaper'. Use this for baby diapers.
Let's change the baby's diaper.
The word ナプキン can mean 'table napkin' or 'sanitary napkin'. In restaurants or at meals, it's usually clear, but in stores, you may need to specify 紙ナプキン (paper napkin) or 生理用ナプキン (sanitary napkin) to avoid confusion.
Where are the paper napkins?
Where are the sanitary napkins?
ナプキン持ってる？
Do you have a pad?