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).
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).
兵士たちは迷彩服を着ていた。
The soldiers were wearing camouflage uniforms.
その戦車は砂漠用の迷彩が施されている。
The tank is painted with desert camouflage.
Loanword from English, used for both literal and figurative camouflage. Common in casual contexts.
彼はカモフラージュ柄のシャツを着ている。
He's wearing a camouflage-pattern shirt.
Biological term for mimicry or camouflage in animals, where an animal resembles its surroundings or another species.
カメレオンの擬態は有名だ。
The chameleon's camouflage is famous.
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.
その謝罪は単なるカモフラージュに過ぎない。
That apology is nothing more than camouflage.
彼の親切は本当の意図をカモフラージュするためのものだ。
His kindness is just a camouflage for his real intentions.
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.
迷彩柄のパンツが流行っている。
Camouflage-pattern pants are in fashion.
Short for カモフラージュ柄, very common in casual fashion contexts.
カモ柄のジャケットを買った。
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.
迷彩服は軍隊で使われる。
Camouflage uniforms are used in the military.
彼の言い訳はただのカモフラージュだ。
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.
兵士たちは森に隠れるために迷彩を使った。
The soldiers used camouflage to hide in the forest.
彼の友好的な態度は野心のカモフラージュに過ぎなかった。
His friendly manner was just a camouflage for his ambition.
その会社は慈善団体を隠れ蓑にして不正を行っていた。
The company used a charity as a camouflage for its illegal activities.
The enemy approached in the camouflage of civilians.
Just camouflaging the problem won't solve it.