Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'utensil' depends heavily on context—whether you mean kitchen tools, eating implements, or general tools. The most common everyday word is 道具, but for eating utensils specifically, terms like 食器 or カトラリー are used.
A broad term for any tool, instrument, or implement used for practical purposes.
The most common and versatile word for 'tool' or 'utensil.' It can refer to kitchen utensils, workshop tools, or any implement used to accomplish a task.
I'm going to buy cooking utensils.
This utensil/tool is very useful.
A slightly more formal term for 'tool' or 'implement,' often used in compound words like 調理用具 (cooking utensils) or 筆記用具 (writing implements).
Specifically the tools used for eating, like forks, spoons, and knives, often in a Western-style setting.
A loanword from English 'cutlery,' commonly used in Japan to refer to Western-style eating utensils (fork, knife, spoon). It's the most natural word when talking about a set of such utensils.
Please set the table with utensils.
Literally 'eating vessels,' this word covers all tableware including plates, bowls, and sometimes utensils. It's broader than just forks and spoons, but often used when referring to the items you eat with.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'spoons, forks, etc.' Used when you want to be specific about the types of eating utensils.
We need utensils like spoons and forks.
Tools used for cooking, such as spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.
The standard term for 'cooking utensils' or 'kitchen tools.' It encompasses all implements used in food preparation.
I bought new kitchen utensils.
Literally 'kitchen supplies,' this includes utensils but also other kitchen items like dish towels or storage containers. It's a bit broader than just cooking tools.
I organize the kitchen utensils/supplies.
Pens, pencils, and other writing implements.
The standard term for 'writing utensils' or 'writing implements.' Used in schools, offices, and stores.
Please bring your writing utensils.
Refers to 'stationery' in general, including writing utensils, but also items like erasers, rulers, and notebooks. It's a broader category.
The English word 'utensil' is often too broad for a single Japanese word. Always consider the context: cooking, eating, writing, etc. Using 道具 for eating utensils can sound odd; use カトラリー or 食器 instead.
I'm gathering cooking utensils.
I wash the dishes/utensils.
I buy a pen at the stationery store.