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.
A device with a design or text carved into it, used to make an impression on paper, often as a signature or official mark.
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'.
An official mark or endorsement indicating approval, quality, or authenticity.
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'.
To crush or pound something with force, or to imprint a design onto a surface using a stamping machine.
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.
You need your registered seal at the bank.
I collect stamps.
Formal term for postage stamp, literally 'mail stamp'. Used in official contexts.
The design of the postage stamps has been updated.
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.
Please stamp your seal here.
Do you have your seal?
Refers specifically to the registered seal used for official documents. More formal than 判子.
Have you registered your seal?
Loanword from English, often used for decorative stamps, store point cards, or self-inking stamps. Not typically used for official seals.
I'll stamp your point card.
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.
He stamped his feet in frustration.
Literally 'approval seal'. Used for a stamp that signifies official approval.
Please put the approval stamp on the document.
A stamp used to indicate that something has been inspected or checked.
The passport was stamped with an inspection seal.
Literally 'with ink mark'. Figuratively means a seal of approval or guarantee of quality, often from an authority.
This restaurant has the Michelin stamp of approval.
If the postmark is not clear, the stamp may be reused.
Means to crush or squash something by pressing down. Used for stamping out something like a cigarette or crushing a can.
He stamped out his cigarette in the ashtray.
To emboss or imprint a pattern using a die or mold. Used in manufacturing contexts.
To stamp a pattern onto leather.
To trample or stamp on something with the feet, often with force.
He stamped on the bug.
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.