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.
新しいカーテンを買いました。
I bought new curtains.
その部屋には重いカーテンがかかっている。
Heavy drapery hangs in that room.
Refers specifically to draped fabric, often with elegant folds. Used in interior design contexts.
窓に美しいドレープがかかっている。
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.
祭壇には豪華な垂れ布が飾られていた。
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.
この彫刻のドレープがとてもリアルだ。
The drapery of this sculpture is very realistic.
ドレスのドレープが美しい。
The drapery of the dress is beautiful.
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'.
あの服地店で良い生地を見つけた。
I found good fabric at that drapery.
A more casual term for a fabric store. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
生地屋でカーテン用の布を買った。
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 skirt falls nicely.
The flow of the drapery on the Buddha statue is elegant.
Choosing fabric at a long-established drapery.