Translation guide
The art or process of applying a thin layer of gold to a surface. This guide covers how to express this concept in Japanese, from the general term to specific techniques and related expressions.
This Buddha statue is finished with gilding.
Refers to gold plating, often by electroplating. Used for metal objects, jewelry, and industrial applications. More modern/technical than 金箔押し.
The case of this watch is gold-plated.
Specifically 'gold leaf pasting', emphasizing the manual application of gold leaf with adhesive. Often used in traditional crafts like lacquerware.
I am learning the technique of gold leaf gilding.
Refers to gold decoration or painting, often on ceramics or porcelain. Implies a more artistic, painted gold design rather than full coverage.
This tea bowl has beautiful gold decoration.
To describe the gold coating itself, as a noun.
To express the action of applying gold.
To express the idea of making something seem better than it is, often with a negative connotation.
A general phrase meaning 'superficial decoration' or 'veneer'. Not a direct translation of 'gilding' but captures the figurative sense.
His kindness is mere gilding.
Literally 'to decorate the surface', implying superficial beautification.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to add prestige' or 'to give a touch of class', derived from the idea of applying gold leaf. Can be used positively or ironically.
金箔押し (gold leaf gilding) is the traditional craft method using thin sheets of gold, common in art and temples. 金メッキ (gold plating) is an industrial process using electricity or chemicals, typical for metal goods. Use 金箔押し for handcrafted items and 金メッキ for manufactured products.
The English idiom 'to gild the lily' (to over-embellish) does not have a direct Japanese equivalent using gold-related words. Instead, use phrases like 余計なことをする (to do something unnecessary) or 蛇足 (redundancy). The phrase 箔を付ける is about adding prestige, not overdoing it.
Measure the thickness of the gold plating layer.
The work of gilding a folding screen with gold leaf is very delicate.
This part needs to be gold-plated.
He always says things that are just gilding the lily.
The degree from a famous university gilds his resume.