Translation guide
A desk used in an office setting. Japanese distinguishes between desks for individual work, reception counters, and school desks. The most common word is 机 (つくえ), but in an office context, デスク is also natural.
A desk for working at in an office, typically with drawers.
The most common word for desk. Can refer to any desk, including office desks, study desks, and school desks.
A desk where visitors are greeted, such as in a hotel, company lobby, or hospital.
A desk used by students in a classroom. Note: this is not an office desk, but the English word 'desk' can refer to this, so it's included for clarity.
Same word as general desk. Context makes it clear.
机 is the native Japanese word and is used broadly for any desk. デスク is a loanword and feels slightly more modern or business-oriented. In an office, both are fine, but デスク is common in compound words like デスクワーク (desk work) or ヘルプデスク (help desk).
デスクの上を整理してください。
Please tidy up your desk.
English 'desk' is often translated as 机, but a large meeting table is テーブル, not 机. 机 implies a desk for one person, often with drawers. A dining table or conference table is テーブル.
会議室のテーブルが大きいです。
The table in the conference room is big.
新しい机を買いました。
I bought a new desk.
机の上に書類がたくさんあります。
There are a lot of documents on the desk.
Loanword from English, commonly used in office contexts. Sounds slightly more modern or business-like.
デスクワークが多くて肩がこります。
I have a lot of desk work, so my shoulders get stiff.
オフィスデスクを探しています。
I'm looking for an office desk.
Specifically a clerical/office desk, often a steel desk with drawers. Used in catalogs or when distinguishing from other types.
事務机を3台注文しました。
We ordered three office desks.
Refers to the reception desk or the reception area. Also means the receptionist.
受付で名前を書いてください。
Please write your name at the reception desk.
受付はあちらです。
The reception desk is over there.
Used mainly for hotel front desks. Short for フロントデスク.
ホテルのフロントで鍵を受け取ってください。
Please pick up your key at the hotel front desk.
Counter, often used for service desks in banks, airports, or shops.
航空会社のカウンターはどこですか？
Where is the airline counter?
教室の机に落書きがあった。
There was graffiti on the classroom desk.
Specifically a school desk. Used when distinguishing from office or home desks.
学校机は小さくて低いです。
School desks are small and low.