Translation guide
In Japanese, 'personal computer' is most commonly referred to as パソコン (pasokon), an abbreviation of パーソナルコンピューター. The full term is understood but rarely used in everyday speech. This guide covers how to talk about PCs naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a desktop or laptop computer for personal use
The standard, everyday word for a personal computer. Used for both desktops and laptops. Abbreviation of パーソナルコンピューター.
I bought a new personal computer.
My PC broke.
The full loanword. Very formal or technical; rarely used in conversation. Might appear in official documents or product names.
This product is designed as a personal computer.
The English abbreviation 'PC' is widely understood and used in Japanese, especially in written contexts or tech-related conversations. Pronounced ピーシー.
Please turn on the PC.
Specifying a desktop PC
Commonly used to distinguish a desktop computer from a laptop. Often shortened to デスクトップ.
A desktop PC takes up space.
Short for デスクトップパソコン. Very common in casual speech.
Referring to a portable personal computer
Standard term for a laptop computer. Often shortened to ノートPC or just ノート.
I travel with a laptop.
Common abbreviation, especially in written form or tech contexts.
I'm looking for a new laptop.
The direct loanword 'laptop' is understood but less common than ノートパソコン. Might sound slightly foreign or technical.
パソコン is the default word for any personal computer. If you need to specify desktop or laptop, use デスクトップ (or デスクトップパソコン) and ノートパソコン (or ノートPC). Avoid the full パーソナルコンピューター in conversation; it sounds stiff.
デスクトップが欲しい。
I want a desktop.
I put the laptop in my bag.