レタリング
retaringu
The English word "lettering" is translated into Japanese as レタリング (retaringu).
レタリング refers to designed text.
Meaning: designed text (noun)
Which one should you use?
If you want to describe the artistic process of designing letters, you can use 文字デザイン. If you are referring specifically to a font or a typeface, the term 書体 is more appropriate.
How do you pronounce it?
retaringu
Did you know?
- While レタリング is a loanword, traditional Japanese lettering is called 書道 or 'calligraphy' and is treated as a meditative spiritual practice rather than just a design skill.
- In Japanese manga, the 'lettering' of sound effects is called 描き文字 or 'drawn characters' because the letters are treated as illustrations that blend into the art.
- Japanese designers often use 擬音語, or 'onomatopoeia', to give 'lettering' a physical texture. This allows the text in a commercial to visually feel 'squishy' or 'sharp' to the reader.
Examples in context
- 「この書体は美しいですね。」This font/typeface is beautiful, isn't it?
- 「このレタリングスタイルはポップでかわいいですね。」This lettering style is lively and cute, isn't it?
- この商品のレタリングはとても綺麗ですね。Kono shouhin no retaringu wa totemo kirei desu ne.The lettering on this product is very beautiful.
- ロゴのレタリングを少し変えたいです。Rogo no retaringu o sukoshi kaetai desu.I want to change the lettering of the logo slightly.
- 彼はレタリングのデザインが得意です。Kare wa retaringu no dezain ga tokui desu.He is good at lettering design.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are looking at a cafe's new menu design.
- 蓮 Renこのメニューのレタリング、おしゃれだね。Kono menyuu no retaringu, oshare da ne.The lettering on this menu is stylish, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当に。センスがいいデザイナーだね。Hontou ni. Sensu ga ii dezainaa da ne.Really. It's a designer with great taste.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは、こういうレタリングが好き？Misaki-san wa, kou iu retaringu ga suki?Misaki, do you like this kind of lettering?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、とても素敵だと思う。Un, totemo suteki da to omou.Yes, I think it's very lovely.
