Translation guide
The word 'amber' can refer to the fossilized resin, its color, or a traffic light signal. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
The standard Japanese word for amber as a material or gemstone. Used in jewelry, decorative items, and scientific contexts.
This necklace is made of amber.
An insect is trapped inside the amber.
Loanword from English, used in fashion, design, or brand names. Less common than 琥珀 for the material itself.
Amber accessories are popular.
Describing the yellowish-orange or golden-brown color.
The most common way to describe the color amber. Literally 'amber color'.
She has amber-colored eyes.
Used as a color name in fashion, cosmetics, and design. Often seen in product descriptions.
Literally 'candy color', refers to a deep amber or golden-brown, often used for cooked onions or aged wood. Not a direct translation but similar in hue.
Referring to the yellow or amber traffic light signal.
In Japan, the traffic light color is called 'yellow' (黄色), not 'amber'. Using 琥珀色 would be unnatural.
The traffic light turned amber.
You should stop at an amber light.
Japanese traffic lights use the same color as 'yellow', and it is always called 黄色. Avoid translating 'amber' directly in this context.
Be careful when the traffic light turns amber.
In Japanese, the traffic light color is always called 黄色 (yellow). Using 琥珀色 or アンバー for a traffic light would sound very strange and is incorrect.
When describing the color of objects, 琥珀色 is the most natural choice. アンバー is more common in fashion and cosmetics.
I like amber-colored beer.
アンバーのアイシャドウを買った。
I bought an amber eyeshadow.
玉ねぎを飴色になるまで炒める。
Fry the onions until they turn amber.