Translation guide
A plant used to produce indigo dye, known in Japanese as 藍 (ai). The term 'dyer's knotweed' specifically refers to the species Persicaria tinctoria, but in Japanese it is most commonly called 藍.
Referring to the plant itself, especially in botanical or agricultural contexts.
The most common word for indigo plants, including dyer's knotweed. Used in everyday and technical contexts.
Indigo is a plant used as a dye.
Literally 'knotweed indigo', a more specific term for Persicaria tinctoria, distinguishing it from other indigo plants.
タデ藍は日本で古くから栽培されています。
Dyer's knotweed has been cultivated in Japan since ancient times.
Katakana form, sometimes used in scientific or botanical names.
アイ（Persicaria tinctoria）はタデ科の一年草です。
Ai (Persicaria tinctoria) is an annual plant of the knotweed family.
Referring to the indigo dye or the color produced from the plant.
Also means indigo dye or the color indigo. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
この布は藍で染められています。
This cloth is dyed with indigo.
Specifically the color indigo. Use when you want to emphasize the color rather than the dye or plant.
The word 藍 can mean the plant, the dye, or the color. In most everyday situations, the intended meaning is clear from context. If you need to be specific, use タデ藍 for the plant or 藍色 for the color.
彼女は藍色の着物を着ていた。
She was wearing an indigo-colored kimono.