Translation guide
Describes something that has a repeated decorative design, or follows a regular arrangement. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is with 模様 (もよう) or the suffix 柄 (がら). The choice depends on whether you're talking about fabric/clothing, surfaces, or abstract patterns.
Describing an object that has a repeated visual motif, such as stripes, flowers, or geometric shapes.
Used as a suffix or standalone noun to mean 'pattern' or 'design', especially for fabrics, clothing, and textiles. Often combined with a descriptive word (e.g., 花柄 = floral pattern). To say 'patterned', use 柄の () as an adjective.
She is wearing a patterned skirt with flowers.
This patterned shirt is too flashy.
A more general word for 'pattern' or 'design', often used for surfaces, wallpaper, wrapping paper, or abstract patterns. Can sound slightly more formal or descriptive than 柄. Use 模様の (もようの) to mean 'patterned'.
The wallpaper has a geometric pattern.
He is wearing a patterned tie.
A noun meaning 'patterned item' or 'something with a pattern', often used for clothing or fabric. It implies the item has a noticeable design.
I'll wear something patterned today.
Describing something that follows a predictable, repeated structure, such as habits, schedules, or data points.
Means 'regular' or 'systematic'. Used for patterned behavior, schedules, or arrangements that follow a rule.
His life is very patterned (regular).
Patterned (regular) exercise is good for your health.
A loanword expression meaning 'patterned' or 'made into a pattern'. Often used in technical or analytical contexts, like data patterns or behavioral patterns.
The data is patterned.
Similar to 模様 but often used for traditional or intricate patterns, such as on kimono, pottery, or family crests. Can sound more artistic or historical.
柄 (がら) is the most common word for patterns on clothing and fabric. 模様 (もよう) is broader and can refer to patterns on any surface, including abstract or natural patterns. For everyday items like shirts or curtains, 柄 is more natural. For wallpaper, wrapping paper, or artistic descriptions, 模様 is often better.
The English word 'patterned' is an adjective, but Japanese often uses a noun + の structure (e.g., 柄の, 模様の). Do not try to directly translate 'patterned' as a single adjective; instead, describe the item as having a pattern.
着物には美しい紋様が描かれている。
The kimono is patterned with beautiful designs.