Translation guide
The English word 'karat' refers to a unit of purity for gold, with 24 karats being pure gold. In Japanese, this concept is expressed using the loanword カラット (karatto) or the traditional unit 金 (kin), though カラット is more common in modern contexts. This guide covers how to express gold purity in Japanese.
Expressing the purity of gold in karats
The most common and direct translation of 'karat' in Japanese. Used in jewelry and gold trading.
カラット is the standard modern term for karat, widely understood. 金 (きん) is a traditional unit that may appear in older texts or formal contexts. For everyday use, カラット is recommended.
このネックレスは14カラットです。
This necklace is 14 karats.
純金は24金です。
Pure gold is 24 karats.
この指輪は18カラットの金でできています。
This ring is made of 18-karat gold.