Translation guide
The triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof. In Japanese architecture, this is often referred to as 破風 (はふ) or 切妻 (きりづま), depending on context.
General term for the gable, especially the decorative board covering the gable end. Common in traditional Japanese architecture.
The gable of this house is beautifully carved.
Refers to the gable roof style itself, or the gable end of a building with a simple triangular shape. Often used in architectural descriptions.
Gable roofs are commonly seen in Japan.
Literally 'wife', but in architecture, it can mean the gable end of a building. Often used in compound terms like 妻側 (つまがわ, gable side).
There are no windows on the gable side of this building.
The ornamental board that covers the gable end, often with carvings or symbols.
Specifically the board that covers the gable. 破風 (はふ) alone can also refer to this.
The gable board is damaged and needs to be replaced.
破風 (はふ) emphasizes the gable as a wall or decorative element, while 切妻 (きりづま) refers to the roof style or the triangular shape. In everyday conversation, 破風 is more common for the gable itself.
That house's gable is triangular.
I want to build a house with a gable roof.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply describe the shape (三角形の壁, さんかくけいのかべ, triangular wall) rather than using a specific architectural term. Use 破風 when you want to sound precise.