How to say "lid" in Japanese

• 蓋ふたJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe general word for a lid, and for covers and caps of any kind — a pot lid, a box lid. When you simply mean 'the lid', this common word is the natural choice.
  このふたはあのジャーのふただ。↗

  This lid belongs with that jar.
• 上蓋うわぶた
  nounA specific word for the lid of a box or container. Less common than 蓋, it is not the word for lids in general; keep it for when you mean a box or container lid.

For any lid, cover, or cap, 蓋 is the common, all-purpose word; 上蓋 is the less common, narrower term for the lid of a box or container, so reserve it for that sense.

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

• 蓋ふたcover
• 上蓋うわぶたlid (of a box, container, etc.)