Translation guide
The English word "stamp" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings are a postage stamp, a rubber stamp or seal (hanko), and the action of stamping one's foot. Other meanings include a stamp of approval, a postmark, and stamping as in crushing or imprinting.
A small adhesive piece of paper issued by a post office to be affixed to mail as evidence of payment of postage.
The standard word for postage stamp. Used in everyday conversation.
この封筒に切手を貼ってください。
Please put a stamp on this envelope.
切手を集めています。
I collect stamps.
Formal term for postage stamp, literally 'mail stamp'. Used in official contexts.
郵便切手のデザインが新しくなりました。
The design of the postage stamps has been updated.
A device with a design or text carved into it, used to make an impression on paper, often as a signature or official mark.
The most common word for a personal seal or stamp used in place of a signature in Japan. Can refer to the physical object or the impression it makes.
ここに判子を押してください。
Please stamp your seal here.
判子を持っていますか？
Do you have your seal?
Refers specifically to the registered seal used for official documents. More formal than 判子.
Loanword from English, often used for decorative stamps, store point cards, or self-inking stamps. Not typically used for official seals.
To bring one's foot down heavily on the ground, often to show anger or impatience.
The most natural way to say 'stamp one's foot' in Japanese. Literally 'make one's foot ring out by stepping'.
彼は怒って足を踏み鳴らした。
He stamped his foot in anger.
Idiomatic expression meaning to stamp one's feet in frustration or regret. Often used when someone is very upset.
彼は悔しがって地団駄を踏んだ。
He stamped his feet in frustration.
An official mark or endorsement indicating approval, quality, or authenticity.
Literally 'approval seal'. Used for a stamp that signifies official approval.
書類に承認印を押してください。
Please put the approval stamp on the document.
A stamp used to indicate that something has been inspected or checked.
Literally 'with ink mark'. Figuratively means a seal of approval or guarantee of quality, often from an authority.
An official mark stamped on mail to cancel the stamp and record the date and place of mailing.
The standard word for postmark. Literally 'erasing seal'.
消印が鮮明でないと、切手が再利用されることがあります。
If the postmark is not clear, the stamp may be reused.
To crush or pound something with force, or to imprint a design onto a surface using a stamping machine.
Means to crush or squash something by pressing down. Used for stamping out something like a cigarette or crushing a can.
彼はタバコを灰皿に押しつぶした。
He stamped out his cigarette in the ashtray.
To emboss or imprint a pattern using a die or mold. Used in manufacturing contexts.
革に模様を型押しする。
To stamp a pattern onto leather.
To trample or stamp on something with the feet, often with force.
判子 is the general term for a personal seal. 印鑑 specifically refers to a registered official seal used for important documents like bank accounts. スタンプ is a loanword for casual or decorative stamps, not for official use.
銀行で印鑑が必要です。
You need your registered seal at the bank.
このスタンプはかわいいですね。
This stamp is cute, isn't it?
Using スタンプ for an official seal can sound childish or inappropriate. Stick to 判子 or 印鑑 for formal situations.
印鑑登録をしていますか？
Have you registered your seal?
ポイントカードにスタンプを押します。
I'll stamp your point card.
The passport was stamped with an inspection seal.
このレストランはミシュランのお墨付きだ。
This restaurant has the Michelin stamp of approval.
彼は虫を踏みつけた。
He stamped on the bug.