How to Say "Rouge" in Japanese

ルージュ

rūju[ɾɯ̟ːʑɨ]

The English word "rouge" is translated into Japanese as ルージュ (rūju).

In Japanese, ルージュ is most commonly used to refer specifically to lipstick rather than a general red color.

Meaning: color (noun)

Which one should you use?

While ルージュ refers to the cosmetic product or a specific shade of rouge, the standard word for the color red is 赤 (aka).

rūju

While ルージュ refers to lipstick, Japanese has a separate word チーク (chīku) for the cheek rouge that English speakers might expect ルージュ to cover.
In Japan, using the word ルージュ often evokes a more mature, sophisticated, or classic image compared to the common word リップ (rippu) for lipstick.
Because ルージュ is a loanword from French, it carries a sophisticated, westernized connotation in Japan. It is often associated with high-end fashion and luxury cosmetics rather than everyday items.

私は口紅をバッグに入れた。
I put the rouge in my bag.
サラは毎日口紅を使う。
Sara uses rouge every day.
青木さんはリップスティックがお気に入りだ。
Aoki's favorite is lipstick (rouge).
チークを頬にのせると、顔色が華やかになる。
When you apply blush (rouge) to your cheeks, your complexion becomes more vibrant.

Hiyori is getting ready for a date in the room.

陽葵 Himari

健太、このルージュはどうかな？
Kenta, kono rūju wa dō kana?
Kenta, what do you think of this rouge?
健太 Kenta

とても似合っていると思うよ。
Totemo niatte iru to omou yo.
I think it suits you very well.
陽葵 Himari

本当？嬉しいわ。
Hontō? Ureshii wa.
Really? I'm glad.
健太 Kenta

さあ、もう行こうか。
Sā, mō ikō ka.
Well, shall we go now?

Sources

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