Translation guide
The English word 'carpet' refers to a floor covering, typically wall-to-wall, or a thick rug. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is カーペット, but other words like 絨毯 (じゅうたん) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right term and use it naturally.
carpet (wall-to-wall)
carpet (thick, woven)
rug (small, decorative)
Referring to a carpet that covers the entire floor or a large area, often fixed in place.
The most common and versatile word for 'carpet' in modern Japanese. It can refer to wall-to-wall carpeting or large rugs. Used in homes, offices, and hotels.
I put a new carpet in the living room.
Often translated as 'carpet' or 'rug'. Traditionally refers to thicker, woven carpets, especially oriental or Persian rugs. Can also be used for wall-to-wall carpet, but カーペット is more common in modern contexts.
Referring to a smaller floor covering, often movable, like a rug or mat.
Borrowed from English 'rug'. Used for smaller, decorative rugs that do not cover the entire floor. Common in interior design contexts.
Describing something as being covered with carpet or made of carpet material.
Means 'carpeted' or 'carpet flooring'. Used to describe rooms or areas that have wall-to-wall carpet.
Using 'carpet' metaphorically to describe a thick covering of something, like leaves or snow.
Used metaphorically to describe a thick, carpet-like covering. 絨毯 is preferred over カーペット for poetic or natural imagery.
カーペット is the most general term for carpet, including wall-to-wall. 絨毯 often implies a thicker, woven carpet, sometimes with traditional patterns. ラグ is a smaller, movable rug. In modern homes, カーペット and ラグ are common; 絨毯 may sound more luxurious or old-fashioned.
to clean the carpet
The carpet needs vacuuming.
The corridors of this hotel are carpeted.
床に厚い絨毯が敷いてある。
A thick carpet is laid on the floor.
Persian carpets are very expensive.
ソファの前にラグを敷いた。
I put a rug in front of the sofa.
Used for functional mats like bath mats, door mats, or exercise mats. Not typically used for decorative carpets.
Please put a mat at the entrance.
This room is carpeted.
Similar to カーペット敷き but using 絨毯. Slightly more formal or traditional feel.
The carpeted hallway muffles footsteps.
a carpet of fallen leaves
a carpet of snow
絨毯を干す
to air out the carpet (thick rug)
to wash the rug
For small functional mats like bath mats or door mats, use マット, not カーペット. カーペット implies a larger floor covering.
リビングにペルシャ絨毯があります。
We have a Persian carpet in the living room.
I bought a new rug for my room.