Translation guide
The English word 'tobacco' can refer to the plant, the dried leaves used for smoking, or products like cigarettes. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is タバコ, a loanword that covers all these meanings. This guide explains how to talk about tobacco naturally in Japanese.
Referring to tobacco as a substance, plant, or general category, including cigarettes and other products.
The most common and versatile word for tobacco, cigarettes, and smoking in general. Used in almost all everyday contexts.
The kanji form of タバコ, meaning 'smoke grass'. It is less common in modern writing but may appear in formal or literary contexts.
煙草の煙
tobacco smoke
Specifically referring to a single cigarette or cigarettes as a product.
In context, タバコ can mean a cigarette. For clarity, you can use counters or specify '一本' (one stick).
タバコを一本ください。
Please give me a cigarette.
タバコを買う
buy cigarettes
A loanword from English, used especially in product names or when emphasizing the Western style. Less common in daily speech.
Referring specifically to the tobacco plant (Nicotiana).
Literally 'tobacco tree/plant'. Used when you need to be specific about the plant itself.
タバコの木を育てています。
I'm growing tobacco plants.
In context, タバコ alone can refer to the plant, but it's often clearer to add の木 or の葉.
タバコはナス科の植物です。
Tobacco is a plant of the nightshade family.
Referring to the act of smoking tobacco.
The standard phrase for 'to smoke (tobacco)'. 吸う means 'to inhale/smoke'.
ここでタバコを吸ってもいいですか？
Is it okay to smoke here?
彼は一日に二箱タバコを吸う。
He smokes two packs of cigarettes a day.
A more formal term for smoking, often seen on signs and in official contexts.
The English word 'tobacco' is a noun. To say 'smoke' as a verb, use タバコを吸う. The noun 'smoke' is 煙 (けむり).
Use the counter 本 (ほん) for cylindrical objects: 一本 (いっぽん), 二本 (にほん), etc. For packs, use 箱 (はこ): 一箱 (ひとはこ).
シガレットケース
cigarette case
喫煙禁止
No smoking
喫煙所はあちらです。
The smoking area is over there.