縞模様
shimamoyō
The English phrase "stripes" is translated into Japanese as 縞模様 (shimamoyō).
縞模様 refers to a pattern consisting of long, narrow parallel lines. It is used to describe patterns found on clothing, animals and various other objects.
Which one should you use?
While 縞模様 refers to the pattern as a whole, you can use the shorter form 縞 to refer specifically to the stripes themselves.
How do you pronounce it?
shimamoyō
Did you know?
- Historically, certain 縞模様 patterns were used as markers of social rank or specific guilds during the Edo period. A specific width or color of stripe could identify a person's profession from a distance.
- The word 縞 is used in the term 縞々, where the repetition of the word indicates a pattern that covers the entire object. This is a common Japanese linguistic habit of doubling a word to emphasize a repetitive visual.
- Japanese uses the exact same word, 縞模様, to describe both the markings on a wild zebra and the patterns on a traditional cotton kimono.
Examples in context
- シマウマは縞模様をしてます。Zebras have stripes.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 縞模様 to describe the physical markings of an animal.Tatoeba #10612861 by small_snow, translation #7697529 by Hybrid
- 私のシャツには7本の縞があります。I have seven stripes on my shirt.
- 彼のパジャマにはかわいい猫の縞があります。His pajamas have cute cat stripes.
- 彼のジャケットにはボーダーがあります。He has stripes on his jacket.
- このシャツは縞模様です。Kono shatsu wa shimamoyō desu.This shirt has a striped pattern.
- 青い縞模様のネクタイをください。Aoi shimamoyō no nekutai o kudasai.Please give me the blue striped tie.
Example conversation
陽葵 and 陽太 are looking at clothes in a shop.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、この縞模様のワンピースはどう？Himari, kono shimamoyō no wanpīsu wa dō?Himari, how about this striped dress?
- 陽葵 Himari可愛い！陽太、これに決めた。Kawaii! Yōta, kore ni kimeta.Cute! Yōta, I'll take this one.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。すごく似合ってるよ。Hontō da ne. Sugoku niatteru yo.You're right. It looks great on you.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう！嬉しい。Arigatō! Ureshii.Thank you! I'm happy.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
