Translation guide
The English word 'pad' has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones useful for English-speaking learners of Japanese, organized by practical meaning.
A soft piece of material used for comfort, protection, or cleaning.
The most common direct loanword for 'pad' in the sense of a cushion or protective covering, used in sports, electronics, and everyday items.
Please put a pad on your knee.
Refers to a cushion or soft pad, often for furniture or as a shock absorber. More general than パッド.
I put a cushion on the chair.
Traditional Japanese floor cushion, often used for sitting on tatami. Not a general 'pad' but a specific type.
Please have a cushion.
A number of sheets of paper glued together at one edge, used for writing notes.
The standard term for a small notepad or memo pad. Very common.
Please write it on the notepad.
General term for a notebook, often used for school or work. Can refer to a pad if it's bound.
Writing paper, often for letters. Can refer to a pad of letter paper.
An absorbent item worn by women during menstruation.
A flat area used for aircraft to take off and land.
A flat surface for a computer mouse or to protect a desk.
The soft, fleshy part on the underside of an animal's paw or a human finger/toe.
Slang for one's home or apartment.
While 'pad' can mean apartment in English slang, Japanese does not have a direct slang equivalent. Use 部屋 or 家 depending on context. The loanword パッド is never used for this meaning.
Coming to my pad?
パッド is typically a thinner, functional pad (e.g., knee pad, shoulder pad), while クッション is thicker and softer, often for comfort (e.g., sofa cushion). For sanitary pads, use 生理用ナプキン or ナプキン, not パッド.
I bought a new notebook.
便箋に手紙を書く。
I write a letter on writing paper.
ナプキンを持ってきて。
Bring me a pad.
There is a helipad on the hospital roof.
I have a desk pad on my desk.
Press gently with the pad of your finger.
We had a party at his pad.