塗り絵
nurie
The English phrase "coloring book" is 塗り絵 (nurie) in Japanese.
Meaning: a type of book (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
nurie
Did you know?
- In many Japanese contexts, coloring is seen as a form of 癒やし (iyashi), or 'healing'. Because of this, coloring books are often marketed as therapeutic tools for stress relief rather than just toys.
- The verb used in 塗り絵, which is 塗る (nuru), is the same word used when a worker applies a coat of paint to a house or a layer of lacquer to furniture.
- Adult coloring books in Japan frequently feature traditional Japanese patterns and complex architectural scenes rather than just nature or abstract shapes.
Examples in context
- ぬりえをしていると、とてもリラックスできます。Coloring can be very relaxing.
- これは子供用の塗り絵です。Kore wa kodomo-yo no nurie desu.This is a coloring book for children.
- 新しい塗り絵を買いました。Atarashii nurie o kaimashita.I bought a new coloring book.
- お気に入りの塗り絵を見せて。Oki ni iri no nurie o misete.Show me your favorite coloring book.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at art supplies in a store.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、この塗り絵はどうかな？Ren-kun, kono nurie wa dō kana?Ren, what do you think of this coloring book?
- 蓮 Renいいと思うよ。絵がとても綺麗だね。Ii to omou yo. E ga totemo kirei da ne.I think it's good. The pictures are very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、これを買おうかな。Jā, kore o kaō kana.Then, maybe I'll buy this one.
- 蓮 Renうん、きっと楽しく塗れると思うよ。Un, kitto tanoshiku nureru to omou yo.Yeah, I'm sure you'll enjoy coloring it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coloring book” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
