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.
I bought a new desk.
There are a lot of documents on the desk.
Loanword from English, commonly used in office contexts. Sounds slightly more modern or business-like.
I have a lot of desk work, so my shoulders get stiff.
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.
We ordered three office desks.
A desk where visitors are greeted, such as in a hotel, company lobby, or hospital.
Refers to the reception desk or the reception area. Also means the receptionist.
Please write your name at the reception desk.
Used mainly for hotel front desks. Short for フロントデスク.
Counter, often used for service desks in banks, airports, or shops.
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.
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).
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.
The table in the conference room is big.
The reception desk is over there.
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.
航空会社のカウンターはどこですか？
Where is the airline counter?
School desks are small and low.