How to say "laptop" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • nounA colloquial abbreviation covering the same laptop/notebook computer sense. It fits casual conversation among friends or colleagues, but you would avoid it in formal writing, where the fuller terms are preferred.
  • no-adjectiveA loanword covering the same laptop sense. It is understandable but less commonly used than the notebook-based terms, so it is seldom the word you want; most speakers say ノートパソコン instead.
  • nounThe full, neutral term for a laptop or notebook computer, usable in both speech and writing. When you need to mention a laptop in ordinary contexts, this is the safest and most widely understood choice.
    ノートパソコンの電源でんげんを入いれ、ブラウザを立ち上たちあげて、もう覚おぼえてしまったアドレスを打ち込うちこむ。↗
    I switch on my laptop, start up the browser, and type in the address I've already learnt by heart.
  • nounA loanword-based compound meaning laptop computer. It is a marginal way to say laptop in Japanese; the notebook-based terms are far more typical, so you will rarely need this word.
  • ノートPCノートピーシー
    nounA shortened written form of ノートパソコン, covering the notebook computer and laptop sense. Common in advertisements, product listings, and casual writing, it works well when space or brevity matters.
    後輩こうはいにノートPCをかりた。↗
    I borrowed the notebook PC from the junior staff member.

For an everyday portable computer, 「ノートパソコン」 or its abbreviation 「ノートPC」 are the usual choices; 「ノーパソ」 is a colloquial short form, while 「ラップトップ」 and 「ラップトップパソコン」 are loanword alternatives.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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