Translation guide
The English word "panel" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a group of experts, a flat surface on a device or wall, and a section of material. It also touches on less common uses like a comic panel or a vehicle body part.
Referring to a selected group of people gathered to discuss, judge, or advise on something.
The direct loanword from English. Commonly used for discussion panels, expert panels, and game show panels. Widely understood.
The expert panel discussed environmental issues.
Participate in a panel discussion.
Specifically a judging panel or jury. More formal than パネル. Used in contests, competitions, and formal evaluations.
The judging panel selected the best work.
An advisory panel or committee, often governmental or corporate. Very formal.
The government advisory panel proposed a new policy.
A distinct, often rectangular section of a surface, especially on electronic devices, walls, or furniture.
The standard loanword for control panels, display panels, solar panels, and decorative wall panels. Very versatile.
Please press the button on the control panel.
We installed wooden panels on the wall.
Often used in compound words for instrument panels, switchboards, etc. More technical than パネル.
Specifically a panel that is a flat board, like a headboard or a panel in a door. Literally 'mirror board', but used for flat panels.
A distinct piece of material, often used in sewing, construction, or art.
Used for fabric panels in clothing, curtain panels, or wooden panels in furniture. The most common term.
I added a panel to the skirt to widen it.
Means 'fabric' or 'cloth'. Can be used when referring to a panel of fabric, but it's a broader term. Use with counters or context.
Specifically a wooden panel used in wainscoting or paneling. Architectural term.
A single frame or box in a comic strip or manga.
An exterior metal section of a car, airplane, etc.
Commonly used for car body panels, aircraft skin panels, etc. The standard term in automotive and aviation contexts.
The door panel was dented in the accident.
Specifically the outer skin or shell of a vehicle. More technical, used in shipbuilding and aircraft.
While パネル is common, directly translating 'panel' as 板 (ita, board) would be incorrect. Use パネル or 審査員団 depending on formality.
board of experts (incorrect)
パネル is the general loanword for most modern contexts. 盤 is used in specific compound words like 配電盤 (distribution panel) or 操作盤 (control panel), often in industrial settings. When in doubt, パネル is safer.
control panel (common)
control panel (technical/industrial)
Inspect the distribution panel.
Replace the door panel.
カーテンは2枚の布地でできている。
The curtain is made of two panels of fabric.
廊下に羽目板を張る。
Install paneling in the hallway.
アメコミのパネルレイアウトを研究する。
Study the panel layout of American comics.
船の外板を修理する。
Repair the ship's hull panels.