Translation guide
A flat piece used for covering surfaces like floors, walls, or roofs, or a piece in a game like mahjong. The most common Japanese word is タイル, but different materials and contexts use different terms.
A flat, usually square piece of ceramic, stone, or similar material used to cover floors, walls, or other surfaces.
The most common and general word for tile, especially ceramic or stone tiles used in construction and interior design. A loanword from English.
We put white tiles on the bathroom wall.
These tiles are made in Italy.
Specifically refers to roof tiles, traditionally made of clay. Not used for floor or wall tiles.
Japanese houses have roof tiles.
Floor tile, especially traditional Japanese clay tiles used for flooring. Rarely used in modern contexts.
The old house has clay floor tiles in the earthen floor area.
A small, flat piece used in games like mahjong, dominoes, or Scrabble.
General term for game tiles, especially mahjong tiles. Also used for dominoes and similar game pieces.
Arrange the mahjong tiles.
Knock over the domino tiles.
Sometimes used for game tiles in a Western context, like Scrabble tiles, but 牌 is more common for traditional Asian games.
A lightweight panel used in suspended ceilings, often for sound absorption.
A square of carpet designed to be laid in a grid, often used in offices.
Referring to the concept of tile as a surface covering or a grid pattern.
タイル is the general term for tiles, especially ceramic or stone tiles for walls and floors. 瓦 specifically means roof tiles, usually made of clay. Using 瓦 for a bathroom tile would be incorrect.
The roof tiles are out of place.
While タイル can be used for Western game tiles like Scrabble, traditional Asian games like mahjong use 牌 (はい). Using タイル for mahjong tiles may sound unnatural to some speakers.
Shuffle the mahjong tiles.
スクラブルのタイルを取る。
Pick a Scrabble tile.
We installed acoustic panels in the soundproof room.