ベルベット
berubetto[be̞ɾɯ̟be̞t̚to̞]
The English word "velvet" can be translated into Japanese as ベルベット (berubetto) or ビロード.
Meaning: fabric (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ベルベット | berubetto | [be̞ɾɯ̟be̞t̚to̞] (narrow) |
| ビロード | birōdo | [bʲiɾo̞ːdo̞] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to the fabric known as velvet. You can describe soft velvet by saying yawarakai barubetto.
Which one should you use?
ベルベット (berubetto) is a modern loanword derived from English. In contrast, ビロード (birōdo) is a loanword from the Portuguese word *veludo* and is frequently encountered in the textile industry or more traditional contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
berubetto
Did you know?
- In Japanese, ビロード is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a voice that is smooth, deep and luxurious.
- The introduction of velvet via Portuguese traders in the 1500s coincided with the 'Nanban' period, when all Western influences were called 'Southern Barbarians'.
- If you use ビロード in a modern fashion boutique, you may sound more like an industry specialist or an antique collector rather than a casual shopper.
Examples in context
- この布はビロードのような手ざわりがする。This cloth feels like velvet.This sentence is useful for describing the texture of a cloth using ビロード.Tatoeba #220083 by bunbuku, translation #57402 by CK
- 結婚式には絹繻子の着物を着る予定です。(Kekkonshiki ni wa kinunan no kimono o kiru yotei desu.)I plan to wear a silk velvet kimono for the wedding.
- このドレスはベルベットでできている。Kono doresu wa berubetto de dekite iru.This dress is made of velvet.
- ベルベットの箱の中に宝石が入っている。Berubetto no hako no naka ni houseki ga haitte iru.There are jewels inside the velvet box.
Example conversation
In a clothing store, looking at a dress.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのベルベットのスカート、すごく素敵だね。Kono berubetto no suka-to, sugoku suteki dane.This velvet skirt is really lovely, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当。触り心地もとてもいいよ。Hontou. Sawari gokochi mo totemo ii yo.Truly. The texture feels very good too.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣に似合いそうな色だと思う。Yui ni niaiso na iro da to omou.I think it's a color that would suit you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。試着してみるね。Arigatou. Shichaku shite miru ne.Thank you. I will try it on.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “velvet” translations and entries ベルベット, ビロード, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ビロード, ベルベット, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
