大理石
dairiseki
The English word "marble" can be translated into Japanese as 大理石 (dairiseki). Wiktionary also lists マーブル (māburu).
Meaning: crystalline limestone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 大理石 | dairiseki |
| マーブル | māburu |
大理石 refers to the geological material, specifically crystalline limestone. If you are referring to the toy marble (a small glass ball), the informal term ビー玉 is used.
Which one should you use?
大理石 refers to the actual geological stone. In contrast, the katakana version マーブル is used to describe a marbled pattern or texture, such as a marble-patterned design (マーブル模様).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 大理石 as an adjective to describe a noun, such as a "marble floor," you must add the particle の after the word, forming 大理石の.
How do you pronounce it?
dairiseki
Did you know?
- The word 大理石 literally translates to 'great reason stone'. While 'reason' sounds abstract, the 理 character here refers to the intricate veins or patterns that look like a natural logic or order within the rock.
- While 大理石 is the geological term, the toy marble ビー玉 uses the word ビー as a phonetic loan from the English word 'bead'.
- The toy marble ビー玉 is often associated with nostalgia for the Showa era, appearing frequently in Japanese literature and anime to signify a childhood from a simpler time.
Examples in context
- 大理石の床って、綺麗だわ。Marble floors are beautiful.This sentence shows how to use 大理石 to describe a beautiful floor.Tatoeba #10018121 by small_snow, translation #680978 by Source_VOA
- 柱は大理石で作られていた。The columns were made of marble.This sentence illustrates that columns were made of 大理石.Tatoeba #10018152 by small_snow, translation #9974427 by sundown
- その机は大理石でできてます。The desk is made of marble.This sentence is useful for saying a desk is made of 大理石.Tatoeba #10018149 by small_snow, translation #8543511 by lucasmg123
- 美しい大理石の像が公園に展示されていますA beautiful marble statue is exhibited in the park.
- 床にコロコロ転がるビー玉がありますThere is a rolling marble on the floor.
- マーブルの模様が美しいバスルームですね。What a beautiful bathroom with marble patterns.
- この大理石の彫刻は芸術的な価値があります。This marble sculpture holds artistic value.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is visiting an art museum with impressive stone architecture.
- 陽葵 Himariこの壁、大理石かしら？Kono kabe, dairiseki kashira?I wonder if this wall is marble?
- 健太 Kenta本当だ、とても高級感があるね。Hontō da, totemo kōkyūkan ga aru ne.You're right, it looks very high-end.
- 陽葵 Himari大理石の模様がすごく綺麗ね。Dairiseki no moyō ga sugoku kirei ne.The marble pattern is so beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、この質感は素晴らしいよ。Himari, kono shitsukan wa subarashii yo.Himari, this texture is wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marble” translations and entries 大理石, マーブル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
