noun

pachinko

puh-CHIHNG-koh

Pachinko (noun) means a Japanese arcade game similar to pinball, where small balls fall through a field of pins. Example: “Pachinko parlours are a common sight in Japanese cities.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

noun

A Japanese arcade game similar to pinball, where small balls fall through a field of pins.

"Pachinko parlours are a common sight in Japanese cities."

How to use pachinko

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA popular Japanese arcade game where players drop small metal balls through a pin-filled machine, similar to pinball.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like pachinko.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

pachinkoed past tense, pachinkos plural, pachinkos singular

Test yourself on “pachinko” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ parlours are a common sight in Japanese cities.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese, based on the onomatopoeic sound the machines make.

Origin: Japanese

Frequently asked questions

What does “pachinko” mean?

The word “pachinko” means a Japanese arcade game similar to pinball, where small balls fall through a field of pins. In plain terms, a popular Japanese arcade game where players drop small metal balls through a pin-filled machine, similar to pinball.

How do you pronounce “pachinko”?

“Pachinko” is pronounced puh-CHIHNG-koh (/pəˈt͡ʃɪŋkəʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “pachinko” in a sentence?

Here is “pachinko” used in a sentence: “Pachinko parlours are a common sight in Japanese cities.”

What part of speech is “pachinko”?

“Pachinko” is a noun.

Where does the word “pachinko” come from?

The word “pachinko” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese, based on the onomatopoeic sound the machines make.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include pachinko:

Words with Japanese origins