Translation guide
The English word "wrapping" can refer to the material used to cover something, the act of covering something, or a decorative outer layer. This guide covers common Japanese equivalents for these meanings, from general terms to specific types of wrapping.
Referring to the material used to wrap an object, such as paper, cloth, or plastic.
Wrapping paper, especially for gifts or commercial products. Neutral and widely understood.
プレゼントを包装紙で包む。
I wrap the present in wrapping paper.
Loanword from English, often used for decorative gift wrapping or packaging in shops.
このお店では無料でラッピングしてくれます。
This shop will do gift wrapping for free.
Paper used for wrapping, often implying a simple or traditional style. Can also refer to the wrapper of a candy or small item.
飴の包み紙を捨てる。
Throw away the candy wrapper.
Traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used for carrying items or wrapping gifts. Culturally specific.
風呂敷でお弁当を包む。
Wrap the lunch box in a furoshiki cloth.
The material that encloses a product, such as plastic wrap, box, or wrapper.
General term for packaging or wrapping. Can refer to the act or the material.
商品の包装を開ける。
Open the product packaging.
Plastic wrap, cling film. Used for food wrapping.
残り物にラップをかける。
Put plastic wrap over the leftovers.
A bundle or package wrapped in paper or cloth. Often used for gifts or parcels.
The action of covering or enclosing an object with material.
Verb meaning to wrap, enclose, or cover. Used for physical wrapping and metaphorical enveloping.
プレゼントをきれいに包む。
Wrap the present nicely.
To package or wrap, often in a commercial or formal context.
商品を一つずつ包装する。
Wrap each product individually.
To wrap up or roll up in something, often cloth or paper. More casual than 包む.
A covering that is part of the item's design, such as a book jacket or a band around a box.
Cover, jacket, or protective wrapping. Common for books, devices, etc.
本にカバーをかける。
Put a dust jacket on the book.
Obi, a paper band wrapped around books or boxes, often with promotional text.
この本の帯には推薦文が書いてある。
The obi on this book has a recommendation written on it.
包む (tsutsumu) is the most common verb for wrapping, used for gifts, parcels, and abstract things. 包装する (hōsō suru) is more formal and often used for commercial packaging. くるむ (kurumu) implies wrapping something up snugly, often in cloth or paper, and is more casual.
ラッピング is specifically decorative gift wrapping. For general packaging or wrapping material, use 包装 or 包装紙.
このプレゼント用の包装紙が必要です。
I need some wrapping paper for this gift.
これ、ラッピングしてもらえますか？
Could you gift-wrap this, please?
きれいな包みをもらった。
I received a beautifully wrapped package.
Wrap the baby in a blanket.