How to say "tip" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 先さきJLPT N5approx.Common
    nounCovers the physical sense: the tip, point, or far end of a concrete thing, such as the tip of a pencil, a finger, or one's nose. The usual choice for this sense.
    鉛筆えんぴつの先さきが丸まるくなった。↗
    The point of the pencil has become dull.
  • チップJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounThe money sense: a small sum left for service, as in a restaurant or taxi. When 'tip' means gratuity, this loanword is the word you want.
    In Japan it is not customary to tip for good service.
  • 端はしJLPT N3approx.Common
    nounIt means the end or edge of something, like the end of a street. Use it when 'tip' just means the far end; for a pointed tip, 先 is the usual word.
    こっちの端はしを持もっててくれる?↗
    Will you please hold this edge?
  • 先端せんたんJLPT N2approx.Common
    nounThe pointed end or tip of something, such as a needle or blade, and also the cusp of a leaf or a crescent moon. It suggests a sharp, foremost extremity.
    Past the west coasts of Europe and Africa to the tip of southern Africa.
  • 傾けるかたむけるJLPT N1approx.Common
    ichidan verb, transitive verbThe verb sense: to tip or tilt something, making it lean — tip a glass to pour, tip your chair back. Choose this when 'tip' is an action, not a thing.
    私は君きみの言いうことには熱心ねっしんに耳みみを傾かたむけている。↗
    I am all ears to what you say.

先 names the tip of a physical object, 端 an end or edge, 先端 a pointed extremity; 「チップ」 is a gratuity left for service, and 「傾ける」 is the verb 'to tip' something, i.e. tilt it.

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

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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