Translation guide
The English word 'canvas' can refer to the heavy fabric used for painting, sails, or tents, or metaphorically to a background or setting. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
The material used for oil or acrylic painting, stretched on a frame.
The most common word for an artist's canvas, borrowed from English. Used for both the fabric and the stretched frame.
I started painting on a new canvas.
A more formal or technical term for canvas as a painting surface, often used in art supply contexts.
An alternative spelling of キャンバス, less common but sometimes seen.
The heavy, durable woven fabric, often made of cotton or linen, used for items like sails, tents, and tote bags.
Literally 'sail cloth', this is the standard term for heavy canvas fabric used in sails, tents, and industrial applications.
A figurative use meaning a background or context in which something happens, or a medium for creative expression.
The loanword キャンバス is often used metaphorically in Japanese, similar to English, to mean a blank slate or creative space.
The HTML <canvas> element used for graphics in web development.
In technical contexts, the English word 'Canvas' is used as-is, often capitalized, referring to the HTML5 element.
キャンバス is the general loanword for artist's canvas. 画布 is a more formal term for painting canvas. 帆布 specifically means the heavy fabric used for sails, tents, and bags. Use キャンバス生地 for canvas material in everyday items.
Paint an oil painting on canvas.
She stretched the canvas over the frame.
The texture of this canvas is just right.
古いカンバスを再利用した。
I reused an old canvas.
This bag is made of sturdy canvas.
Uses the loanword キャンバス plus 生地 (fabric) to specify canvas material, common in fashion and crafts.
I like canvas sneakers.
An older term for canvas, especially used for shoes (ズック靴). Now somewhat dated.
When I was a child, I wore canvas shoes.
This city is an infinite canvas for artists.
Means 'stage' and can be used metaphorically for a setting or backdrop where events unfold.
On the canvas of life, everyone is the lead actor.
Means 'background' and can be used when 'canvas' refers to the setting or context of an event.
The story unfolds against a historical canvas.
Draw graphics using the Canvas element.
A tent made of canvas.
While キャンバス is understood for artist's canvas, it may not be natural for heavy-duty fabric items. Use 帆布 for sails, tents, and industrial canvas. For fashion items like bags and shoes, キャンバス生地 is common.
The sails were made of thick canvas.