ナプキン

なぷきん
noun
napkin
1. napkin, serviette
A piece of cloth or paper used at meals to wipe hands and mouth.
ナプキンで口(くち)を拭(ふ)く。
To wipe one's mouth with a napkin.
ナプキンを膝(ひざ)の上(うえ)に置(お)く。
To place a napkin on one's lap.
紙(かみ)ナプキンをもらえますか？
Could I get a paper napkin?
2. sanitary napkin
An absorbent pad used during menstruation.
ナプキンを買(か)いに行(い)く。
To go buy sanitary napkins.
生理用(せいりよう)ナプキンはどこですか？
Where are the sanitary napkins?
ナプキンの替(か)えを持(も)ってきた。
I brought extra sanitary napkins.

From English "napkin." In Japanese, this word has two distinct meanings depending on context.

Usage

In everyday conversation, ナプキン often refers to sanitary napkins (生理用(せいりよう)ナプキン). To specify table napkins, people typically say 紙(かみ)ナプキン (paper napkin) or おしぼり (wet towel). In formal dining contexts, ナプキン can mean a cloth table napkin without ambiguity.

Common expressions

  • 紙(かみ)ナプキン: paper napkin
  • 布(ぬの)ナプキン: cloth napkin
  • 生理用(せいりよう)ナプキン: sanitary napkin (explicit form)

Related words

Related Words

Related: おしぼり (wet towel)
Related: 生理用品(せいりようひん) (menstrual products)
Related: テーブルナプキン (table napkin)
general
Added 2026.2.6 0:03 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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