Translation guide
A staple can refer to a basic food item, a main or important element, or a metal fastener. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A food that is eaten regularly and is a main part of a diet.
Refers to the staple food of a diet, such as rice, bread, or noodles. Commonly used in nutritional or cultural contexts.
Something that is basic, essential, or a standard part of something.
A small piece of bent wire used to fasten papers together.
主食 is only for food staples. For non-food items that are standard or classic, use 定番. Using 主食 for a product or activity sounds unnatural.
The staple of this restaurant is ramen.
Japanese doesn't have a direct verb 'to staple'. Instead, use phrases like ホッチキスでとめる (fasten with a stapler) or ホッチキスで留める (staple).
日本人の主食は米です。
The staple food of Japanese people is rice.
Means 'regular food' or 'daily diet'. Slightly more formal and less common than 主食.
In this region, potatoes are a staple food.
Refers to a classic, standard item that is always included or popular. Very common in everyday speech.
The staple menu item of this restaurant is curry.
When it comes to summer staples, fireworks are it.
Means 'main' or 'principal'. Used as an adjective to describe something that is a key component.
The staple industry of this region is agriculture.
Means 'main force' or 'leading product'. Often used in business or military contexts.
The staple product of this company is smartphones.
Means 'necessity' or 'essential item'. Used when emphasizing that something is indispensable.
Rice is a staple for Japanese people.
The Japanese word for 'stapler'. Note that this refers to the device, not the individual staple. The individual staple is often called ホッチキスの針 (staple needle).
Please staple the documents.
Alternative word for 'stapler', from English. Less common than ホッチキス.
The stapler ran out of staples.
Refers to the individual staple (the metal piece). Use this when you need to specify the staple itself.
I need to buy staples.
書類をホッチキスでとめてください。
Please staple the documents.