Translation guide
A desk used for work, typically in an office or at home. Japanese distinguishes between the physical desk itself and the workspace or desk where one works.
A piece of furniture with a flat surface for working, often with drawers.
General word for a desk, used for both work and study. Commonly used in offices and schools.
新しい机を買いました。
I bought a new work desk.
机の上を片付けてください。
Please tidy up your desk.
Loanword from English, often used for office desks. Slightly more modern or business-like feel.
オフィスのデスクが広いですね。
The office work desk is spacious, isn't it?
Specifically a clerical desk, often used in administrative offices. More formal or technical.
事務机を並べて仕事をしています。
We work with our clerical desks lined up.
The specific desk assigned to a person in an office, often including the surrounding area.
Literally 'one's own desk'. Natural way to refer to your personal work desk.
自分の机に戻ってメールをチェックします。
I'll go back to my desk and check my emails.
Literally 'my seat'. Often used to refer to one's desk area in an open-plan office.
私の席はあそこです。
My desk is over there.
The entire setup where one works, including computer, monitors, etc.
Loanword for a computer workstation. Often used in IT or design contexts.
新しいワークステーションを設置しました。
We set up a new workstation.
Literally 'work desk', often implying a desk used for hands-on tasks or crafts, but can be used for a computer desk.
作業机にパソコンを置いています。
I have my computer on my work desk.
机 (つくえ) is the native Japanese word and is more general, used for any desk including study desks. デスク is a loanword and often implies an office desk or a more modern style. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but デスク can sound slightly more business-like.
In Japanese office culture, it's common to say 自分の席 (my seat) or 私の机 (my desk) rather than just 'work desk'. The concept of a personal workspace is often tied to the seat rather than the furniture itself.