Translation guide
The English word 'pillow' refers to a cushion for the head during sleep. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 枕 (まくら). However, there are specific types and cultural nuances, such as traditional pillows and travel pillows.
A soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping in a bed or on a futon.
The general term for a pillow. Used in most contexts.
新しい枕を買いました。
I bought a new pillow.
この枕は柔らかすぎます。
This pillow is too soft.
A pillow used with a futon, often filled with buckwheat hulls or beans, and sometimes smaller and firmer than Western pillows.
A pillow filled with buckwheat hulls, common in Japan. Known for its firmness and breathability.
そば殻枕は頭の形にフィットします。
Buckwheat pillows conform to the shape of your head.
A pillow filled with beans or adzuki beans, sometimes used for its cooling effect or as a traditional craft.
夏は豆枕を使うと涼しいです。
In summer, using a bean pillow is cool.
A U-shaped pillow used for supporting the neck during travel, especially on airplanes or trains.
A loanword from English, commonly used for travel pillows.
飛行機でネックピローを使いました。
I used a neck pillow on the plane.
Another loanword, less common than ネックピロー but understood.
このトラベルピローは空気で膨らませます。
This travel pillow inflates with air.
A small pillow used for decoration on a sofa or bed, not primarily for sleeping.
Refers to a cushion or throw pillow. Note: 枕 is not used for decorative pillows.
Do not use 枕 for decorative pillows; 枕 implies a sleeping pillow.
ソファにクッションを置きました。
I put cushions on the sofa.
Expressions involving 'pillow' in English, such as 'pillow talk' or 'pillow fight'.
Pillow fight. A common activity at sleepovers.
子供たちは枕投げをして遊んだ。
The children had a pillow fight.
In Japanese, 枕 (まくら) is specifically a pillow for sleeping. For decorative or sofa pillows, use クッション. Using 枕 for a cushion can cause confusion.
このクッションは枕として使えますか？
Can this cushion be used as a pillow?
Pillow talk; intimate conversation in bed. Loanword from English.
彼女とピロートークを楽しんだ。
I enjoyed pillow talk with my girlfriend.