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').
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.
A loanword from English, used mainly in fashion or textile industry contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
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.
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.
A shuchin obi is a luxury item.
Figurative use of 'brocade' to describe something splendid, colorful, or glorious, often in set phrases.
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.
金襴の着物はとても豪華です。
A gold brocade kimono is very luxurious.
Literally 'brocade banner,' historically referring to the imperial standard. Figuratively, it means using authority or a noble cause to justify one's actions.
They acted under the banner of a noble cause.