Translation guide
A gabled roof is a roof with two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangular shape at the ends. In Japanese architecture, this is a common roof style, and there are specific terms depending on context and formality.
The most common, everyday word for a roof with a triangular gable.
Standard term for a gabled roof. Literally 'cut gable roof'. Used in architecture and daily conversation.
この家は切妻屋根です。
This house has a gabled roof.
Short for 切妻屋根. Often used in compound words or when the context is clear.
切妻の家を建てたい。
I want to build a house with a gabled roof.
A gabled roof in traditional Japanese architecture, sometimes with a triangular gable wall (破風) and decorative features.
Refers specifically to the triangular gable wall itself, often decorated. Can imply a traditional gabled roof.
神社の破風には美しい彫刻がある。
The gable of the shrine has beautiful carvings.
A roof with a decorative gable (破風). More specific than 切妻屋根, often used for traditional buildings.
このお寺は破風屋根が特徴的です。
This temple is characterized by its gabled roof with decorative gables.
When discussing roof types in a technical or architectural setting.
Literally 'triangle roof'. A descriptive term sometimes used in casual or explanatory contexts, but less technical than 切妻屋根.
子供が三角屋根の家を描いた。
The child drew a house with a triangular roof.
A gambrel roof, which is a type of gabled roof with two slopes on each side. Not a standard gabled roof, but sometimes confused. Use only when referring to this specific style.
この納屋はギャンブレル屋根です。
This barn has a gambrel roof.
切妻屋根 (gabled roof) has two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, forming a triangle. 寄棟屋根 (よせむねやね, hipped roof) has slopes on all four sides. In Japan, both are common, but 切妻 is simpler and more traditional for smaller buildings.
If you want to emphasize the decorative triangular gable wall (often seen on temples and shrines), use 破風 (はふ). It's more specific than 切妻 and carries a traditional nuance.