オニキス
onikisu
The English word 'onyx' is translated into Japanese as オニキス (onikisu). Wiktionary also lists オニックス (onikkusu).
Meaning: a banded variety of chalcedony (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| オニキス | onikisu |
| オニックス | onikkusu |
The term refers to a banded variety of chalcedony.
Which one should you use?
There are two common ways to write this word in Japanese: オニキス (onikisu) and オニックス (onikkusu).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is onikisu.
Did you know?
- Because オニキス starts with the sound 'oni', it phonetically resembles the Japanese word for 'demon' or 'ogre' (鬼), which can lead to puns in creative writing.
- In Japanese spiritual and 'power stone' (pawaa sutoon) culture, オニキス is specifically marketed as a stone for 'protection' and 'warding off evil'.
- When describing the bands of an onyx stone, Japanese speakers use the word 縞 (shima), which is the same word used to describe the stripes on a zebra or tiger.
Examples in context
- 彼女は、美しいオニキスの指輪をしています。She is wearing a beautiful onyx ring.
- この指輪はオニキスです。Kono yubiwa wa onikisu desu.This ring is onyx.
- オニキスのネックレスが欲しいです。Onikisu no nekkuresu ga hoshii desu.I want an onyx necklace.
- 黒いオニキスの石を見つけました。Kuroi onikisu no ishi o mitsukemashita.I found a black onyx stone.
Example conversation
A couple is looking at jewelry in a shop.
- 陽葵 Himariこのオニキスのブレスレット、素敵だね。Kono onikisu no buresuretto, suteki dane.This onyx bracelet is lovely, isn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。陽葵に似合いそうだよ。Hontou da. Himari ni niaiso dayo.It really is. It looks like it would suit you, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮、これ、買ってくれる？Ren, kore, katte kureru?Ren, will you buy this for me?
- 蓮 Renいいよ、プレゼントにするね。Ii yo, purezento ni suru ne.Sure, I'll give it to you as a present.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “onyx” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
