Translation guide
Describes a curved shape like a thin moon. In Japanese, the most common word is 三日月 (mikazuki), literally 'third-day moon', referring to the crescent moon. Other terms exist for crescent-shaped objects in specific contexts.
crescent shape
Most common translation for the shape itself.
To refer to the shape of a crescent moon, or something resembling it.
The standard word for a crescent moon shape. It literally means 'third-day moon', as the moon appears crescent on the third day of the lunar month. Used for both the moon itself and objects shaped like it.
The crescent moon is beautiful tonight.
She was wearing crescent-shaped earrings.
Explicitly means 'crescent-shaped'. Used when you want to emphasize the shape rather than the moon itself.
Crescent-shaped bread is popular.
A more technical or literary term for a crescent moon. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
A crescent moon hung in the eastern sky.
To describe any object that has a curved, crescent-like shape, not necessarily related to the moon.
Attach 三日月形の to a noun to describe something as crescent-shaped. This is the most natural way.
I baked crescent-shaped cookies.
The lake is crescent-shaped.
Literally 'sickle-shaped'. Used for objects that curve like a sickle or crescent. Common in descriptions of tools or weapons.
Specifically 'croissant-shaped'. Used for pastries or objects resembling a croissant.
Croissant-shaped bread is perfect for breakfast.
To refer to the crescent symbol used in flags, religion, or iconography.
Also used for the crescent symbol, especially in the context of Islam or national flags.
The Turkish flag features a crescent and a star.
Literally 'new moon', but sometimes used for the crescent symbol in formal or religious contexts. Note that astronomically, 新月 means the invisible new moon, so context matters.
The English word 'crescent' is often translated as 三日月, but be aware that 三日月 specifically refers to the moon on the third day of the lunar month. For general crescent shapes, use 三日月形 or 三日月型.
鎌形の刃物が見つかった。
A sickle-shaped blade was found.
新月のマークはイスラム教のシンボルです。
The crescent mark is a symbol of Islam.