Translation guide
A cornice is a decorative horizontal molding that crowns a building, wall, or piece of furniture. In Japanese, the term depends on context: architectural cornices are usually コーニス or 蛇腹, while furniture cornices are often コーニス or 持ち送り. For natural rock overhangs, use 雪庇.
The projecting horizontal decorative feature that crowns a building or interior wall, often where the wall meets the roof or ceiling.
The most common direct loanword for architectural cornice, used in both exterior and interior contexts. Widely understood in design and construction.
この建物のコーニスはとても装飾的だ。
The cornice of this building is very decorative.
Literally 'snake belly', this term refers to a corrugated or folded molding, often used for a cornice with a repeating pattern. More common in traditional or classical architecture.
古典建築では、蛇腹がよく使われる。
In classical architecture, a cornice (molding) is often used.
Specifically an eaves cornice, combining 軒 (eaves) with 蛇腹. Used for the cornice under the eaves of a roof.
軒蛇腹に精巧な彫刻が施されている。
The eaves cornice is elaborately carved.
A projecting horizontal molding at the top of a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet, bookcase, or cornice board.
The loanword is also standard for furniture cornices, especially in modern or Western-style pieces.
本棚の上部にコーニスを取り付けた。
I attached a cornice to the top of the bookshelf.
A bracket or corbel that supports a cornice or shelf. Sometimes used to describe the decorative support under a furniture cornice.
この戸棚の持ち送りは美しい曲線を描いている。
The corbels (supports) of this cabinet have beautiful curves.
A projecting ledge of snow or rock on a mountain ridge, often formed by wind. In English, this is sometimes called a 'cornice', especially in mountaineering.
Specifically a snow cornice, an overhanging edge of snow on a ridge. Common in mountaineering and skiing contexts.
雪庇が崩れる危険があるので、尾根の端を歩かないでください。
There is a risk of the cornice collapsing, so please don't walk on the edge of the ridge.
A rock overhang or ledge, similar to a cornice. Less common; 雪庇 is the standard for snow.
岩庇の下で雨宿りをした。
We took shelter from the rain under a rock overhang.
コーニス is a general loanword for any cornice, while 蛇腹 specifically implies a corrugated or folded design. Use コーニス for modern or simple moldings, and 蛇腹 for traditional Japanese or classical Western architecture with repeating patterns.
モダンな家にはシンプルなコーニスが合う。
A simple cornice suits a modern house.
寺院の蛇腹は複雑な彫刻で飾られている。
The temple's cornice is decorated with intricate carvings.
In interior design, コーニス can also refer to a cornice board (a wooden pelmet above a window). Context usually makes it clear, but if distinction is needed, specify 窓のコーニス (window cornice) or 家具のコーニス (furniture cornice).