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.
料理道具を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy cooking utensils.
この道具はとても便利だ。
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).
調理用具をそろえる。
I'm gathering cooking utensils.
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.
テーブルにカトラリーを並べてください。
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.
スプーンやフォークなどのカトラリーが必要です。
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.
新しい調理器具を買った。
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.
台所用品を整理する。
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.
筆記用具を持ってきてください。
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.
文房具屋でペンを買う。
I buy a pen at the stationery store.
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 wash the dishes/utensils.