Translation guide
The symbol #, used in various contexts such as numbers, social media hashtags, and phone keypads.
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.
The number sign is used in this document.
Literally 'well frame', referring to the shape #. Often used in everyday conversation when describing the symbol.
From 'sharp', commonly used for the # key on phones or in music. Note: in music, # means sharp, but the symbol is the same.
Specifically for the # symbol used in social media hashtags. Borrowed from English 'hashtag'.
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.
He is the #1 player.
Using # to tag topics on platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
Referring to the # button on a telephone or keypad.
The most common term for the # key on phones. Often used in instructions.
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).
Please enter your number followed by the number sign.
Assumes a phone keypad context.
Please press the number sign before the phone number.
Press the number sign and enter the number.
この投稿にハッシュタグを付けました。
I added a hashtag to this post.
A more formal prefix meaning 'number' or 'the (ordinal)'. Used in official rankings or lists.
He is #1.
The standard term for a hashtag. Used as a noun.
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.
Please post with #today's weather.
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.
Please press the number sign button.
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.