Translation guide
In English, 'drapery' can refer to cloth used for curtains, the arrangement of fabric in clothing or art, or a shop selling cloth. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Cloth hung as curtains or decorative fabric, especially in a room.
The most common word for curtains in Japanese, used for both functional and decorative window coverings.
I bought new curtains.
Heavy drapery hangs in that room.
Refers specifically to draped fabric, often with elegant folds. Used in interior design contexts.
Beautiful drapery hangs at the window.
Literally 'hanging cloth', a more descriptive term. Can be used for draped fabric in various settings, but less common than カーテン.
The altar was adorned with luxurious drapery.
The way fabric hangs or is arranged in art, sculpture, or fashion.
Used in art and fashion to describe the arrangement of folds in fabric. Common in technical or artistic contexts.
The drapery of this sculpture is very realistic.
Means 'pleats' or 'folds'. Can be used to describe the gathered or folded appearance of fabric, though it's more specific than 'drapery'.
A traditional term for the depiction of clothing folds in Japanese art, especially in sculpture and painting.
A store that sells cloth or fabric.
A shop specializing in fabric for clothing. This is the closest equivalent to a 'drapery' or 'draper's shop'.
I found good fabric at that drapery.
A more casual term for a fabric store. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
I bought fabric for curtains at the drapery.
Traditionally a shop selling kimono fabric and accessories. Can be used for a drapery in a historical or traditional context.
The English word 'drapery' covers several distinct concepts. Directly translating it as a single Japanese word will often sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate term based on whether you mean curtains, fabric arrangement, or a shop.
The drapery of the dress is beautiful.
The drapery of the skirt falls nicely.
The flow of the drapery on the Buddha statue is elegant.
Choosing fabric at a long-established drapery.