サファイア
safaia[sa̠ɸa̠ia̠]
The Japanese word for the gem sapphire is サファイア (safaia).
サファイア is used to refer to the gemstone itself. To use the word as an adjective to describe something as being the color sapphire, you can use the related form サファイア色.
Meaning: gem (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
safaia
Did you know?
- While サファイア is the standard name for the gemstone, Japanese speakers often use the word 青玉, pronounced 'aotama', which literally means 'blue ball' or 'blue jewel', to describe it in poetic or traditional contexts.
- The kanji used in the traditional term 藍玉 contains the character for 'indigo', linking the gemstone to a color deeply rooted in Japanese textile history.
- While サファイア denotes the blue stone, Japanese jewelry terminology uses the same root to describe 'fancy sapphires' in colors like yellow or pink.
Examples in context
- 彼女はサファイアの指輪を着けている。She is wearing a sapphire ring.
- この美しい宝石はサファイアです。This beautiful gemstone is a sapphire.
- この指輪は青玉でできているよ。This ring is made of sapphire.
- サファイアの宝石はとても美しいね。Sapphire gemstones are very beautiful, aren't they?
- 私はサファイアの宝石が大好きです。I love sapphire gemstones.
- このサファイアはとても美しいです。Kono safaia wa totemo utsukushii desu.This sapphire is very beautiful.
- 彼女はサファイアの指輪を贈りました。Kanojo wa safaia no yubiwa o okurimashita.She gave a sapphire ring.
- 青いサファイアを探しています。Aoi safaia o sagashite imasu.I am looking for a blue sapphire.
Example conversation
A jewelry shop where a customer is looking at an engagement ring.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのサファイアは本物ですか？Kono safaia wa honmono desu ka?Is this sapphire real?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、天然のサファイアですよ。Hai, tennen no safaia desu yo.Yes, it is a natural sapphire.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんへのプレゼントにしたいです。Misaki-san e no purezento ni shitai desu.I want to make it a present for Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiきっと喜んでくれますよ。Kitto yorokonde kuremasu yo.I am sure she will be happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sapphire” translations and entries サファイア, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
