テーブル

• Reading: テーブル
• Romaji: teeburu
• Pronunciation: /teː.bɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

Table. A flat surface with legs used for eating, working, or placing items.

Borrowed from English 'table.' Refers specifically to Western-style raised tables with legs, as opposed to the traditional low Japanese table called ちゃぶ台 (chabudai) or こたつ (kotatsu). Common phrases: テーブルの上に (on the table), テーブルを拭く (wipe the table), テーブルに着く (sit at the table).

Examples

1. テーブルの上に花があります。 There are flowers on the table.
2. ご飯の前にテーブルを拭きます。 I wipe the table before meals.
3. このテーブルは四人用です。 This table seats four people.

Usage Guide

Context: home, restaurants, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From English 'table,' itself from Latin 'tabula' (board/plank). Adopted into Japanese as Western-style furniture became common in Japanese homes during modernisation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal