Button meanings in Japanese

ボタン (ぼたん)

Example:

Please press the button to start the machine.

機械を始動するにはボタンを押してください。

She wore a shirt with a missing button.

彼女はボタンが外れたシャツを着ていた。

Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversations, clothing descriptions, and technology.

Note: ボタン is commonly used to refer to both physical buttons on clothing and electronic devices.

押しボタン (おしぼたん)

Example:

The elevator has an emergency push button.

エレベーターには緊急押しボタンがある。

You need to press the push button to activate the alarm.

警報を作動させるには押しボタンを押す必要があります。

Usage: formalContext: Used in technical or safety-related contexts, such as machinery and alarms.

Note: 押しボタン emphasizes the action of pressing a button, often in safety equipment or machinery.

ボタン (コンピュータ用語)

Example:

Click the button to submit your form.

フォームを送信するにはボタンをクリックしてください。

The play button on the video player is broken.

ビデオプレーヤーの再生ボタンが壊れている。

Usage: informalContext: Used in the context of computers, software, and digital interfaces.

Note: In this context, ボタン refers to clickable elements in software applications, websites, and digital devices.

ボタン (装飾的な意味)

Example:

This dress has beautiful decorative buttons.

このドレスには美しい装飾的なボタンが付いている。

She collects antique buttons for her craft projects.

彼女はクラフトプロジェクトのためにアンティークのボタンを集めている。

Usage: informalContext: Used in fashion and crafts, referring to buttons as decorative elements.

Note: ボタン can also refer to buttons used primarily for decoration rather than function.

fastener

An object used to secure or close something, such as a button, zipper, or clasp.

Example: The fastener on his bag broke, so he couldn't close it properly.

Note: This term is more general and can refer to various types of objects used for securing or closing things.

clasp

A device, typically metal, used to fasten things together or hold them in place.

Example: The necklace had a beautiful silver clasp.

Note: While a button is a type of fastener, a clasp can also refer to other types of fastening devices like hooks or buckles.

fasten

To close or secure something in place, often using a button, zipper, or other fastening device.

Example: Please fasten your seatbelt before takeoff.

Note: This term is more general and can include various methods of securing something, not just buttons.

Press the button

To physically push a button to activate or operate something.

Example: Please press the button to start the machine.

Note: Uses the word 'button' in a literal sense.

Push someone's buttons

To provoke or annoy someone deliberately.

Example: His teasing really pushes her buttons.

Note: Uses 'buttons' metaphorically to mean triggering someone emotionally.

Button up

To fasten all the buttons on a garment, typically a shirt or coat.

Example: It's cold outside, so make sure to button up your coat.

Note: Uses 'button' in the context of clothing.

On the button

Exactly right or accurate.

Example: His estimate was on the button; he guessed the right amount.

Note: Uses 'button' to convey precision or correctness.

Button your lip

To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.

Example: I don't want to hear any more complaints, so button your lip!

Note: Uses 'button' metaphorically to mean closing one's mouth.

Buttoned-down

Conservative, formal, or conventional in style or behavior.

Example: He's a buttoned-down businessman who always wears a suit.

Note: Uses 'buttoned' to describe someone who is conventional or conservative.

Hot-button issue

A controversial or emotionally charged topic that elicits strong reactions.

Example: Gun control is a hot-button issue in the upcoming elections.

Note: Uses 'button' to describe a topic that triggers intense reactions or debates.

Buttoned-up

To be buttoned-up means to be very proper, formal, or conservative in behavior or appearance.

Example: She's always so buttoned-up, never letting loose and having fun.

Note: This slang term comes from the idea of a buttoned shirt being neat and perfectly put together, representing someone who is reserved or uptight.

Button-pusher

A button-pusher is someone who deliberately provokes or irritates others with their actions or words.

Example: Don't be a button-pusher and upset everyone with your comments.

Note: This term alludes to the idea of someone figuratively pushing buttons to get a reaction out of others, like pushing buttons on a machine to make it work.

Unbuttoned

To be unbuttoned means to relax, be informal, or open up about personal matters.

Example: After a few drinks, he became more unbuttoned and shared personal stories with everyone.

Note: The term is derived from the literal act of unbuttoning a shirt, symbolizing letting loose or becoming less reserved.

Press the button to start the machine.

The button on my shirt fell off.

She couldn't find the button to turn off the alarm.

Button - Proper noun (Proper noun) / Proper noun, singular (Proper noun, singular)

Lemma: button

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): buttons

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): button

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): buttoned

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): buttoning

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): buttons

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): button

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): button

Syllabification and Stress

button Contains 2 syllables: but • ton

Phonetic transcription: ˈbə-tᵊn

but ton , ˈbə tᵊn (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

button: ~ 1200 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Button