Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'ribbon' is most commonly リボン, a loanword from English. However, depending on the context—such as traditional Japanese culture, gift wrapping, or decorative arts—other terms like 飾り紐 or 水引 may be more appropriate. This guide covers the most useful expressions for an English-speaking learner.
リボン
ribbon (general)
A strip of fabric used for tying hair, decorating gifts, or as a fashion accessory.
The most common and versatile word for 'ribbon' in modern Japanese. Used for hair ribbons, gift ribbons, and decorative ribbons on clothing.
彼女は髪に赤いリボンを付けている。
She is wearing a red ribbon in her hair.
プレゼントにリボンをかけてください。
Please put a ribbon on the present.
Literally 'decorative cord'. Refers to a ribbon-like cord used in traditional Japanese crafts, clothing, or packaging. More specific than リボン and often implies a braided or twisted cord.
着物の帯に飾り紐を結ぶ。
Tie a decorative cord on the kimono sash.
A ribbon used specifically for wrapping gifts, often in a decorative or ceremonial context.
Traditional Japanese decorative cord made from twisted paper, often used on gifts and envelopes for special occasions. While not a fabric ribbon, it serves a similar decorative function and is culturally significant.
お祝いのご祝儀袋には水引がかかっている。
A mizuhiki cord is attached to the celebratory gift envelope.
Also commonly used for gift wrapping in modern, Western-style contexts. If you are wrapping a birthday present in non-traditional paper, リボン is perfectly natural.
A strip of colored fabric worn to indicate an honor, award, or membership.
Used for award ribbons, medal ribbons, or awareness ribbons, just like in English.
彼はコンテストで青いリボンをもらった。
He received a blue ribbon at the contest.
A formal term for a medal ribbon or cordon. Rarely used in everyday conversation; mainly seen in official contexts.
勲章の綬は赤と白のストライプだった。
The ribbon of the medal was red and white stripes.
The 'ribbon' interface in software like Microsoft Office.
In computing contexts, the loanword リボン is used exactly as in English. No native Japanese word is used for this.
リボンの「ホーム」タブをクリックしてください。
Please click the 'Home' tab on the ribbon.
リボン is the default for modern, Western-style ribbons. 水引 is a traditional paper cord used for ceremonial gift wrapping. 飾り紐 is a broader term for decorative cords, often used in traditional arts and crafts. Use リボン unless the context is specifically traditional Japanese.
バレンタインデーのチョコレートにリボンをかける。
Put a ribbon on Valentine's Day chocolates.
結婚式の引き出物には水引がかけられる。
Mizuhiki is used on wedding favors.
In English, 'ribbon' can mean a long, narrow strip of material (e.g., 'a ribbon of road'). This metaphorical use does not translate directly to リボン. Instead, use words like 帯 (おび) or 細長いもの (ほそながいもの) depending on context.
彼女は髪にリボンを結んだ。
She tied a ribbon in her hair.
そのプレゼントは美しいリボンで包まれていた。
The present was wrapped with a beautiful ribbon.
I wrapped a pretty ribbon around the birthday present.