Translation guide
The symbol #, used in various contexts such as numbers, social media hashtags, and phone keypads.
番号記号、井桁、またはシャープです。
What is the # symbol called?
Context matters: 番号記号 is formal, 井桁 is everyday, シャープ is common for phone keys.
Referring to the symbol # in general, such as when naming it or describing it.
The most direct translation, meaning 'number symbol'. Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
この書類には番号記号が使われています。
The number sign is used in this document.
Literally 'well frame', referring to the shape #. Often used in everyday conversation when describing the symbol.
電話番号の前に井桁を押してください。
Please press the number sign before the phone number.
From 'sharp', commonly used for the # key on phones or in music. Note: in music, # means sharp, but the symbol is the same.
シャープを押して、番号を入力してください。
Press the number sign and enter the number.
Specifically for the # symbol used in social media hashtags. Borrowed from English 'hashtag'.
この投稿にハッシュタグを付けました。
I added a hashtag to this post.
Using # to mean 'number', as in #1 (number one).
In Japanese, 'No.' (from English 'number') is commonly used before a number to indicate ranking or order, similar to #. Often written as 'No.1' etc.
彼はNo.1プレイヤーです。
He is the #1 player.
A more formal prefix meaning 'number' or 'the (ordinal)'. Used in official rankings or lists.
第1位は彼です。
He is #1.
Using # to tag topics on platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
The standard term for a hashtag. Used as a noun.
このハッシュタグがトレンド入りしました。
This hashtag is trending.
In Japanese social media, the # symbol is used directly before a keyword, just like in English. Often written in half-width or full-width.
#今日の天気で投稿してください。
Please post with #today's weather.
Referring to the # button on a telephone or keypad.
The most common term for the # key on phones. Often used in instructions.
シャープを押してから、番号を入力してください。
Press the number sign and then enter the number.
Also used for the # key, though slightly less common than シャープ in this context.
井桁 (いげた) is a traditional Japanese word for the # shape, often used in daily conversation. シャープ is a loanword from English 'sharp' and is very common for the # key on phones. 番号記号 is a more formal, literal translation ('number symbol'). For social media, ハッシュタグ is the standard term.
The English phrase 'number sign' does not directly translate to a single common Japanese word. Use the appropriate term based on context (e.g., 井桁 for the shape, シャープ for phone key, ハッシュタグ for social media).
番号の後にシャープを入力してください。
Please enter your number followed by the number sign.
Assumes a phone keypad context.
番号記号はポンド記号とも呼ばれます。
The number sign is also called a pound sign.
In Japanese, 'pound sign' is ポンド記号, but it's less common.
Please press the number sign button.