Translation guide
The concept of hiding something by making it blend in with its surroundings, used both literally (military, animals) and figuratively (hiding intentions or truth).
military camouflage
camouflage pattern
to camouflage (figurative)
To describe patterns, colors, or materials used to hide people, equipment, or animals by blending them into the environment.
The most common word for camouflage patterns or military camouflage. Often used in compounds like 迷彩服 (camouflage clothing).
The soldiers were wearing camouflage uniforms.
The tank is painted with desert camouflage.
Biological term for mimicry or camouflage in animals, where an animal resembles its surroundings or another species.
To describe actions or words used to conceal real motives, feelings, or the true nature of something.
Used figuratively to mean a cover-up or disguise for something undesirable. Common in news and conversation.
That apology is nothing more than camouflage.
Literally 'straw raincoat of invisibility' from folklore; idiomatically means a cover, front, or disguise for an activity or identity.
Disguise or camouflage, often used for deliberate deception, such as disguising a vehicle or faking an identity.
To gloss over or paper over a problem; a temporary cover-up. More about hiding a flaw than full disguise.
Referring to the visual pattern itself, often in fashion or design.
Camouflage pattern. The most natural way to refer to the design.
Camouflage-pattern pants are in fashion.
Short for カモフラージュ柄, very common in casual fashion contexts.
I bought a camo-pattern jacket.
迷彩 is the standard term for military or hunting camouflage patterns and gear. カモフラージュ is a loanword that covers both literal and figurative uses, and is more common in casual speech. For the pattern itself, 迷彩柄 or カモ柄 are most natural.
Camouflage uniforms are used in the military.
His excuse is just camouflage.
迷彩 is strictly for visual camouflage. Using it to mean 'cover-up' or 'disguise of intentions' sounds unnatural. Use カモフラージュ or other words like 偽装 or 隠れ蓑 instead.
The soldiers used camouflage to hide in the forest.
His friendly manner was just a camouflage for his ambition.
Loanword from English, used for both literal and figurative camouflage. Common in casual contexts.
He's wearing a camouflage-pattern shirt.
カメレオンの擬態は有名だ。
The chameleon's camouflage is famous.
His kindness is just a camouflage for his real intentions.
The company used a charity as a camouflage for its illegal activities.
敵は民間人に偽装して近づいてきた。
The enemy approached in the camouflage of civilians.
Just camouflaging the problem won't solve it.