Translation guide
The English word 'ebony' refers to a dense, dark hardwood from trees of the genus Diospyros, prized for its color and used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. It can also describe a deep black color. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Referring to ebony as a type of wood, especially in contexts like furniture, carvings, or musical instruments.
The standard Japanese word for ebony wood. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
このピアノの鍵盤は黒檀でできている。
The keys of this piano are made of ebony.
黒檀の仏像は非常に高価だ。
Ebony Buddhist statues are very expensive.
A less common, more literary term for ebony. Often used in artistic or poetic contexts.
烏木の黒い輝きが美しい。
The black luster of ebony is beautiful.
Describing a deep, rich black color, often with connotations of darkness or elegance.
Literally 'ebony color'. Used to describe a deep black, especially in design or fashion.
彼女は黒檀色のドレスを着ていた。
She wore an ebony-colored dress.
Means 'jet black' or 'pitch black'. A common, vivid word for a deep, lustrous black, often used for hair, night, or objects.
漆黒の闇が広がっていた。
An ebony darkness spread out.
彼の髪は漆黒だ。
His hair is ebony black.
Referring to the tree itself, Diospyros species, in botanical or gardening contexts.
Simply 'ebony tree'. Clear and straightforward.
黒檀の木は成長が遅い。
Ebony trees grow slowly.
The botanical family Ebenaceae, which includes ebony and persimmon. Use only in scientific contexts.
黒檀はカキノキ科の植物です。
Ebony is a plant of the Ebenaceae family.
In English, 'ebony' is sometimes used poetically to describe dark skin. In Japanese, using 黒檀 (kokutan) to describe a person's skin is unnatural and potentially offensive. Instead, use descriptive phrases like 浅黒い肌 (asaguroi hada, 'dark complexion') or 褐色の肌 (kasshoku no hada, 'brown skin').
A poetic phrase meaning 'the color of a crow's wet feather', describing a glossy, deep black. Often used for beautiful black hair.
彼女の髪は烏の濡れ羽色だ。
Her hair is ebony (like a crow's wet feather).