Translation guide
An emblem is a symbolic object or design representing a group, idea, or quality. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 紋章 (monshō), but the best choice depends on context: family crests, national symbols, logos, or abstract representations.
A design or object used as the official symbol of a country, organization, or family, often with historical or heraldic significance.
The most direct and common translation for 'emblem' in the sense of a heraldic or official symbolic design, such as a coat of arms or family crest.
その家の紋章は桜の花です。
The family emblem is a cherry blossom.
Often refers to a badge, medal, or insignia worn to show membership or achievement, such as a police badge or military insignia.
警察官は制服に記章をつけている。
Police officers wear an emblem on their uniform.
Means 'symbol' and can be used for an emblem that represents an abstract idea or quality, like a national emblem.
鳩は平和の象徴です。
The dove is an emblem of peace.
Specifically a national emblem or coat of arms of a country.
日本の国章は菊花紋章です。
Japan's national emblem is the chrysanthemum crest.
A specific design used as a symbol of a family, especially in Japanese tradition.
The standard term for a Japanese family crest, used on clothing, tombstones, and belongings.
着物に家紋が入っています。
The kimono has the family emblem on it.
A shorter, more casual term for a family crest or emblem, often used in compound words.
この紋は何ですか？
What is this emblem?
A graphic design used by a company or product as its identifying symbol.
The most common term for a logo or brand emblem in modern Japanese.
この会社のロゴはとても有名です。
This company's emblem is very famous.
Often used for a simple mark or emblem, like a brand mark or symbol on a product.
Can be used for a logo that resembles a traditional emblem, but sounds formal or old-fashioned for modern brands.
Something that stands for an idea, virtue, or characteristic.
The best word for an emblem in the sense of a symbol representing an abstract concept.
オリーブの枝は平和の象徴とされている。
The olive branch is considered an emblem of peace.
A common loanword for 'symbol', often interchangeable with 象徴 but slightly more casual.
紋章 is a general term for heraldic emblems, often used for Western coats of arms. 家紋 specifically refers to Japanese family crests. 象徴 is an abstract symbol, not a physical design. Use 象徴 when talking about something that represents an idea.
西洋の紋章には動物がよく使われる。
Western emblems often feature animals.
私の家の家紋は梅の花です。
My family emblem is a plum blossom.
ライオンは勇気の象徴だ。
The lion is an emblem of courage.
While 紋章 can translate 'emblem', it sounds overly formal or archaic for a company logo. Use ロゴ or マーク for brand emblems in everyday speech.
ワシはアメリカ合衆国の国章です。
The eagle is the national emblem of the United States.
それぞれの家に独自の家紋があります。
Each family has its own emblem.
That bag has the brand's emblem on it.
その大学の紋章は本と剣を組み合わせたデザインだ。
The university's emblem is a design combining a book and a sword.
ハトは平和のシンボルです。
The dove is an emblem of peace.