Translation guide
A container for holding pencils, pens, and other stationery. In Japanese, the most common word is 筆箱 (fudebako), but other terms exist depending on shape and material.
A box or case for holding pencils and pens, typically used by students.
The most common and general word for pencil case. Literally 'brush box', but used for any pencil case.
筆箱を忘れた。
I forgot my pencil case.
新しい筆箱を買った。
I bought a new pencil case.
Loanword from English 'pen case'. Common and understood, but slightly less traditional than 筆箱.
ペンケースの中にペンがたくさんある。
There are many pens in the pen case.
Literally 'brush holder'. Less common than 筆箱, but still used, especially for traditional brush cases or soft pouches.
筆入れを机の上に置いた。
I put the pencil case on the desk.
A fabric or soft case, often with a zipper, for holding pens and pencils.
Often used for soft, zippered pouches. 筆箱 can also be used, but ペンケース emphasizes the soft case style.
布製のペンケースが好きです。
I like fabric pen cases.
Can refer to soft cases as well, though it originally implies a box.
この筆箱は柔らかい。
This pencil case is soft.
A rigid, often plastic or metal, box for stationery.
The default for hard pencil cases, especially the classic plastic ones with a lid.
プラスチックの筆箱は壊れにくい。
Plastic pencil cases are hard to break.
Can be used for hard cases too, but less specific.
金属のペンケースは重い。
Metal pen cases are heavy.
Both are widely used. 筆箱 is the traditional word and very common among school children. ペンケース is a loanword and often implies a softer, zippered case, but can be used generally. In everyday conversation, either is fine.
筆箱を学校に持っていく。
I take my pencil case to school.
ペンケースをカバンに入れた。
I put the pen case in my bag.