Japanese dictionary
How to say "backpack" in Japanese
リュックりゅっく · ryukku
"Backpack" in Japanese is リュック (ryukku), short for リュックサック. Many commuters in Japan carry one.
▶ plays native audio. Audio on this site plays when you are logged in to your free japanese.ccn.jp account (the same account as Japanese Talk by CCN).
Ways to say "backpack" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| リュックりゅっく · ryukku | Backpack. The everyday word. |
| リュックサックりゅっくさっく · ryukkusakku | Backpack (full form). |
| ランドセルらんどせる · randoseru | Hard leather backpack for elementary school children. |
How to use it
The word comes from German "Rucksack."
On crowded trains, people are asked to carry backpacks in front or put them on the rack: リュックは前に (ryukku wa mae ni).
Example sentences
- 新しいリュックを買いました。Atarashii ryukku o kaimashita.I bought a new backpack.
- リュックでパソコンを持っていきます。Ryukku de pasokon o motte ikimasu.I carry my laptop in a backpack.
- 混んでいる電車ではリュックを前に持ってください。Konde iru densha de wa ryukku o mae ni motte kudasai.On crowded trains, please wear your backpack on your front.
- リュックを網棚に置きました。Ryukku o amidana ni okimashita.I put my backpack on the luggage rack.
- 子どもの入学式のためにランドセルを買いました。Kodomo no nyūgakushiki no tame ni randoseru o kaimashita.I bought a school backpack for my child's school entrance ceremony.
- このリュックは軽くて便利です。Kono ryukku wa karukute benri desu.This backpack is light and convenient.
Questions
What is a ランドセル?
A ランドセル (randoseru) is the sturdy backpack used by Japanese elementary school students. Children often use the same one for six years.
Is it OK to carry a backpack to work in Japan?
Yes. Many office workers carry backpacks today. For formal meetings, a business bag may look more appropriate.
Using Japanese at work?
See Executive JapaneseExecutive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.