Translation guide
A cloak is a loose outer garment, often without sleeves, that drapes over the shoulders. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is マント, but other words like クローク and 外套 exist with different nuances. This guide also covers figurative uses like 'cloak of secrecy.'
A garment worn over other clothes, typically sleeveless, that hangs from the shoulders, often used for warmth or fashion.
The most common and general word for a cloak or cape in modern Japanese. It can refer to various styles, from fantasy cloaks to fashionable capes.
He was wearing a black cloak.
The wizard is wearing a long cloak.
A loanword from English, often used for a cloak or a cloakroom. It can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned than マント, and is common in fantasy or historical contexts.
The knight wore a crimson cloak.
A more formal or literary term for an overcoat or cloak. It can refer to a heavy outer garment, sometimes with sleeves, and is less common in everyday speech.
He took off his cloak and hung it on the chair.
Used metaphorically to describe something that hides or obscures, like 'under the cloak of darkness' or 'cloak of secrecy.'
A common pattern meaning 'hidden behind ~' or 'under the cover of ~.' It conveys the idea of using something as a cloak to conceal actions.
They escaped under the cloak of darkness.
Means 'disguised as ~' or 'under the pretense of ~.' It implies blending in or using something as a cover.
Literally a 'straw raincoat of invisibility' from folklore, used figuratively to mean a cloak or cover for hiding one's true intentions. It's a colorful, somewhat literary expression.
マント is the most versatile and commonly used word for a cloak or cape in modern Japanese. クローク is a loanword that often appears in fantasy or historical settings and can also mean 'cloakroom.' 外套 is a more formal, sometimes old-fashioned term for an overcoat or heavy cloak, and is less frequent in daily conversation.
Avoid directly translating 'cloak' in figurative phrases like 'cloak of secrecy' as マント or クローク. Instead, use patterns like ～の陰に隠れて or ～に紛れて to convey the meaning naturally.
He committed fraud under the cloak of charity.
The company used the charity as a cloak for tax evasion.