Translation guide
The English word 'curtains' refers to fabric panels used to cover windows, block light, or provide privacy. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is カーテン, a loanword from English. However, traditional Japanese window coverings like 障子 (shōji) and 襖 (fusuma) are also relevant in certain contexts. This guide helps learners choose the right term based on the type of curtain and the situation.
curtains (fabric window covering)
To refer to typical fabric curtains hung on a rod, used in most modern homes and buildings.
The standard loanword for Western-style curtains. Used in everyday conversation.
Please open the curtains.
I bought new curtains.
To refer to a shoji screen, a wooden lattice covered with translucent paper, used as a room divider or window covering.
A traditional sliding screen made of wood and paper. Often used in Japanese-style rooms. Not a fabric curtain, but sometimes called a 'curtain' in English descriptions.
Please close the shoji screen.
To refer to a fusuma, a thick opaque sliding panel used to separate rooms.
A thick sliding door made of wood and paper or cloth, often decorated. Used between rooms. Sometimes called a 'curtain' in English, but it is a solid door.
I open the fusuma and go to the next room.
To refer to the large curtain on a stage.
To refer to a waterproof curtain used in a shower or bathtub.
The standard term for a shower curtain.
Please close the shower curtain.
To express the idea of 'curtains' meaning the end, especially in a dramatic or fatal sense.
While カーテン is the default for modern curtains, it is not used for 障子 (shōji) or 襖 (fusuma). These are distinct architectural elements. If you call a shoji a カーテン, it will sound odd.
A shoji is not a curtain.
The paper on the shoji screen is torn.
緞帳が下りました。
The stage curtain came down.
The incident came to a close (curtains).