Translation guide
The English phrase "black and white" has several distinct meanings. It can refer to literal colors, monochrome images, clear moral distinctions, or written documents. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Describing something that has the two colors black and white, such as clothing, animals, or objects.
The most common way to say 'black and white' as an adjective. 白黒 (shirokuro) means 'black and white', and の makes it an adjective.
I like black and white cats.
Literally 'white and black', using the conjunction と. Slightly more emphatic or listing the colors separately.
a shirt with black and white stripes
From 'monochrome', often used for fashion or design when emphasizing a black-and-white color scheme, but can also mean grayscale.
That monochrome outfit is stylish.
Referring to photographs, films, or television that are not in color; grayscale.
The standard term for black-and-white (monochrome) images or films. Can be used as a noun or with の.
This movie is in black and white.
A more technical or artistic term for monochrome, often shortened to モノクロ in casual speech.
Describing a situation, issue, or thinking that is clearly divided into right and wrong, good and evil, with no ambiguity.
Literally 'black and white is clear'. This is the most natural way to say something is clear-cut or unambiguous.
His opinions are always very black and white.
Literally 'to attach black and white', meaning to determine right from wrong, or to settle a matter clearly.
We have to settle this issue once and for all.
Literally 'to clearly separate good and evil'. Used when emphasizing moral judgment.
Referring to something that is written down or in print, often for official proof or clarity.
Literally 'black and white document', meaning a written or printed document. Often used in contexts like 'I need it in black and white'.
Please put the contract in writing.
Means 'in writing' or 'by document'. More formal and common in business settings.
I want to see those terms in black and white.
Literally 'printed thing'. Can be used when emphasizing the physical printed nature.
When expressing that something is 'black and white' in the sense of clear moral distinction, do not simply say 白黒だ. Use the phrase 白黒はっきりしている or 白黒をつける to sound natural.
This issue is black and white.
白黒 is the general term for black-and-white (monochrome) and is used for photos, films, and also in idiomatic expressions. モノクロ (from monochrome) is often used in fashion, design, or technical contexts, and can imply a stylish black-and-white scheme rather than just lack of color.
Is the movie in color or black and white?
She sees everything in black and white.
I want the agreement in black and white.
to develop black-and-white photos
We are exhibiting monochrome works.
He always wants to see things in black and white.
I need it in black and white as evidence.