パターン
patān[pa̠tã̠ːɴ]
The Japanese word for "pattern" is パターン (patān).
パターン refers to an intelligible arrangement that follows a mathematical, geometric or statistical relationship. In colloquial speech, it is frequently used by adding it to the end of a clause to describe a specific type of situation or a predictable outcome, such as "the case where…" or "the type of situation where…"
Meaning: intelligible arrangement which has a mathematical, geometric, statistical etc. relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While パターン is a general-purpose loanword, other terms exist for specific contexts. 模様 is used to refer to a design or pattern on a surface like textiles or ceramics, and 様式 indicates a particular distinctive style or pattern used in architectural or artistic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
patān
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and gaming, the phrase パターンを覚える means to 'memorize the pattern' of a boss's attacks to defeat them.
- While パターン is used for abstract sequences, the word 模様 for surface patterns also means 'appearance' or 'state of affairs' in a different context.
- In Japanese, the word 型 (kata) can be used to express the concept of a 'pattern' or 'model' that one must follow, such as in traditional arts or even social behaviors.
Examples in context
- これ意外と本人は気付いてないパターン。This is a pattern that he is surprisingly unaware of.This sentence is useful for describing a situation where someone is unaware of a certain pattern.Tatoeba #11038481 by small_snow, translation #12033303 by Winter
- 君の睡眠パターンは僕の理解を超してるよ！Your sleep pattern is beyond my understanding.This sentence shows how to describe a sleep pattern.Tatoeba #9518778 by Sim5634, translation #9525202 by DJ_Saidez
- これは、話を面白くしようとして逆につまらなくなるパターンだな。This is a pattern of trying to make the story more interesting, but ending up making it boring instead.This sentence illustrates a pattern of behavior where an action leads to an unintended result.Tatoeba #11038403 by small_snow, translation #13494629 by jonojet
- このドレスのパターンは美しいですね。The pattern on this dress is beautiful.
- その絵画の模様は独特なデザインです。The pattern in that painting has a unique design.
- 日本建築の様式には豊かなパターンが見られます。Japanese architecture exhibits rich patterns.
- このシャツの柄、可愛いね。The pattern on this shirt is cute.
- この猫の毛の模様が珍しいよ。The pattern on this cat's fur is unusual.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a textbook in a library.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの図には規則的なパターンがあるね。Kono zu ni wa kisokuteki na patān ga aru ne.There is a regular pattern in this diagram, isn't there?
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、すごく分かりやすいよ。Hontō da, sugoku wakariyasui yo.You're right, it's very easy to understand.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんはこの法則に気づいた？Yui-san wa kono hōsoku ni kidzuita?Yui, did you notice this rule?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、大翔くん。今やっと理解できました。Hai, Hiroto-kun. Ima yatto rikai dekimashita.Yes, Hiroto. I finally understood it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pattern” translations and entries パターン, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
