Translation guide
Brocade is a richly decorative woven fabric, often with raised patterns in gold or silver thread. In Japanese, the most common word is 錦 (nishiki), but there are several related terms depending on the type, technique, or context.
The general concept of brocade as a luxurious woven fabric with raised patterns, often used in traditional garments, obi, or decorative items.
The most common and general word for brocade. It evokes rich, colorful woven patterns and is used in both literal and figurative contexts (e.g., 錦を飾る 'to return home in glory').
この帯は美しい錦でできています。
This obi is made of beautiful brocade.
Specifically refers to brocade woven with gold thread. Often used for luxurious garments, Buddhist altar cloths, and Noh costumes.
金襴の着物はとても豪華です。
A gold brocade kimono is very luxurious.
A loanword from English, used mainly in fashion or textile industry contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
このドレスはブロケード素材です。
This dress is made of brocade fabric.
Brocade that specifically uses silver thread instead of or in addition to gold.
Brocade woven with silver thread. Less common than 金襴 but used in similar contexts.
銀襴の袋帯を締めました。
I wore a silver brocade fukuro obi.
A type of brocade with a particularly thick, raised pattern, often used for obi or decorative purposes.
A thick brocade with a raised pattern, originally from China. Often used for obi and sometimes called 'satin brocade' in English.
繻珍の帯は高級品です。
A shuchin obi is a luxury item.
Figurative use of 'brocade' to describe something splendid, colorful, or glorious, often in set phrases.
An idiom meaning 'to return home in glory' or 'to make a triumphant return,' literally 'to adorn with brocade.'
彼は故郷に錦を飾った。
He returned to his hometown in glory.
Use 錦 for general brocade or metaphorical expressions. Use 金襴 when emphasizing gold thread. In modern fashion contexts, ブロケード is sometimes used, but 錦 is more natural in daily conversation.
Literally 'brocade banner,' historically referring to the imperial standard. Figuratively, it means using authority or a noble cause to justify one's actions.
彼らは錦の御旗を掲げて行動した。
They acted under the banner of a noble cause.