Translation guide
The English word "slot" has several distinct meanings, from a narrow opening to a scheduled time. This guide covers the most common uses and their natural Japanese equivalents.
A thin, flat opening or groove into which something is inserted or fitted.
The most direct loanword, used for coin slots, card slots, and similar narrow openings in machines.
Please insert a coin into the slot.
A more descriptive term meaning 'insertion opening', used for slots on devices or furniture.
The SD card slot is here.
Refers to a groove or channel, often in woodworking or mechanical contexts. Not typically used for coin slots.
Cut a slot (groove) in the board.
A reserved or allocated time for an activity, appointment, or broadcast.
Literally 'time frame', the standard term for a time slot in schedules, TV programming, or appointments.
The program airs in a prime-time slot.
Please reserve a time slot for the interview.
Short for 時間枠, commonly used in compound words or casual contexts.
Also used for time slots, especially in IT or scheduling systems, but 時間枠 is more common in general contexts.
A specific place in a list, schedule, or hierarchy.
A casino gambling machine with spinning reels.
The full term for a slot machine. Often shortened to スロット in casual speech.
He hit the jackpot on the slot machine.
Common abbreviation for slot machine, especially in pachinko parlors or casual conversation.
A Japanese hybrid of pachinko and slot machines, distinct from Western-style slots.
While スロット is versatile, it can sound unnatural for scheduled time slots in formal contexts. Use 時間枠 for appointments and schedules.
The appointment slot is 15 minutes.
Is there an open slot tomorrow morning?
会議のスロットを確保する。
Secure a slot for the meeting.
彼はレギュラーポジションを確保した。
He secured a regular slot in the lineup.
休みの日はよくスロットを打ちに行く。
On my days off, I often go play the slots.
パチスロは日本独自のギャンブルです。
Pachislot is a uniquely Japanese form of gambling.