How to Say "Motif" in Japanese

モチーフ

mochīfu[mo̞t͡ɕiːɸɯ̟]

The Japanese word for "motif" is モチーフ (mochīfu).

This loanword is used in design, art and fashion to describe a recurring pattern or a central theme used as a design element.

Meaning: decorative figure that is repeated in a design (noun)

How do you pronounce it?

mochīfu

The phrase モチーフにする 'to make into a motif' has a unique semantic extension in Japanese, where it can mean using a real-life person or a specific historical event as the inspiration for a creative work.
In Japanese fashion and craft circles, the term モチーフ is often used to describe a 3D applique or a standalone crochet piece shaped like a flower or animal.
The use of katakana for モチーフ acts as a visual cue that the design follows a Western or contemporary aesthetic rather than a traditional one.

モチーフを通じて、繊細な美しさを表現することができます。
Through the motif, we can express delicate beauty.
この柄のモチーフは何ですか？
Kono gara no mochīfu wa nan desu ka?
What is the motif of this pattern?
花のモチーフを使ったデザインです。
Hana no mochīfu o tsukatta dezain desu.
It is a design using a flower motif.
新しいモチーフを考えました。
Atarashii mochīfu o kangaemashita.
I thought of a new motif.

Ren and Misaki are looking at jewelry in a shop.

蓮 Ren

この指輪、モチーフが凝っていますね。
kono yubiwa, mochīfu ga kotte imasu ne.
The motif on this ring is quite elaborate, isn't it?
美咲 Misaki

本当ですね。とても繊細なデザインです。
hontō desu ne. totemo sensai na dezain desu.
It really is. It's a very delicate design.
蓮 Ren

美咲さんはどんなモチーフが好きですか？
misaki-san wa donna mochīfu ga suki desu ka?
What kind of motifs do you like, Misaki?
美咲 Misaki

私はシンプルな月のモチーフが好きです。
watashi wa shinpuru na tsuki no mochīfu ga suki desu.
I like simple moon motifs.

Sources

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