ボタン

• Reading: ぼたん
• Romaji: botan
• Pronunciation: /bo.taɴ/

Meaning

Button. A small fastener on clothing, or a push-button on devices.

Used for both clothing buttons and mechanical/electronic buttons. For clothing: ボタンを留める (to fasten a button), ボタンが取れた (a button came off). For devices: ボタンを押す (to press a button). The kanji 釦 exists but is rarely used; katakana ボタン is standard.

Examples

1. シャツのボタンが取れました。 A button came off my shirt.
2. このボタンを押してください。 Please press this button.
3. コートのボタンを留めましょう。 Let's fasten the buttons on the coat.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, clothing, electronics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from Portuguese 'botão' (button) during the 16th century, when Portuguese traders brought Western clothing to Japan. One of the oldest loanwords still in daily use.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal