紫水晶
murasakizuishō[mɯ̟ɾa̠sa̠kʲizɨiɕo̞ː]
The English word amethyst is translated into Japanese as 紫水晶 (murasakizuishō) or アメシスト.
Meaning: gem (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 紫水晶 | murasakizuishō | [mɯ̟ɾa̠sa̠kʲizɨiɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
| アメシスト | ameshisuto | [a̠me̞ɕisɨ̥to̞] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to the gem amethyst. The related term 紫色 refers to the color purple.
Which one should you use?
While 紫水晶 is the native Japanese name, the katakana form アメジスト is more commonly used in modern contexts like jewelry stores and fashion. The katakana version アメジスト is a phonetic transcription of the English word 'amethyst'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
murasakizuishō
Did you know?
- The term 水晶 in 紫水晶 literally means 'ice crystal' because ancient Japanese people believed clear quartz was frozen water that would never melt.
- The word 紫 in 紫水晶 was historically reserved for the highest rank of people in the Japanese court and was forbidden for commoners to wear.
- In Japanese culture, the color 紫 is often linked to the 'murasaki' plant and the famous 10th-century author Murasaki Shikibu who wrote the first novel in history.
Examples in context
- ２月の誕生石は、アメジストです。和名は「紫水晶」と言います。The birthstone of February is amethyst. It's Japanese name is "Murasaki Suishou".This sentence is useful for learning how to say the Japanese name for the gem using 紫水晶.Tatoeba #8210820 by Tanikaz, translation #9982698 by tsp_2
- このアクセサリーは、きれいなアメチストが使われています。This accessory features a beautiful amethyst.
- この紫水晶は、とても美しいですね。Kono murasakishousui wa, totemo utsukushii desu ne.This amethyst is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 箱の中に、小さな紫水晶が入っています。Hako no naka ni, chiisana murasakishousui ga haitte imasu.There is a small amethyst inside the box.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking at gemstones in a shop.
- 結衣 Yuiこの紫水晶、いい色だね。Kono murasakisuishou, ii iro da ne.This amethyst is a nice color, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ。とても透明感があるね。Hontou da. Totemo toumeikan ga aru ne.You're right. It's very clear.
- 結衣 Yui紫水晶は私の好きな石なんだ。Murasakisuishou wa watashi no suki na ishi nan da.Amethyst is my favorite stone.
- 健太 Kenta結衣に似合いそうだね。Yui ni niaisou da ne.It looks like it would suit you, Yui.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “amethyst” translations and entries 紫水晶, アメシスト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
