Translation guide
The color scarlet in Japanese is most commonly expressed as 緋色 (ひいろ) or スカーレット. However, the specific term used can depend on context, such as traditional arts, literature, or modern usage. This guide covers the main ways to refer to scarlet, from general to specific.
Referring to the color scarlet in everyday or general contexts.
The most standard Japanese word for scarlet. It is used in both traditional and modern contexts, though it may sound slightly formal or literary.
She was wearing a scarlet dress.
The direct loanword from English. Commonly used in fashion, design, and modern contexts. It is widely understood, especially among younger generations.
Literally 'deep crimson', often used to describe a vivid, intense red that overlaps with scarlet. It carries a dramatic or elegant nuance.
Refers to vermilion or cinnabar red, which is close to scarlet but slightly more orange. Often used in traditional Japanese arts and architecture. Not a perfect match for scarlet, but may be used in some contexts.
朱色 is more orange-toned than typical scarlet. Use only when the orange-red hue is intended.
Describing scarlet in the context of traditional Japanese culture, such as kimono, dyeing, or classical literature.
A shorter, more traditional term for scarlet, often used in compound words or classical contexts. It can refer to a specific shade used in dyeing.
A shrine maiden wearing a scarlet hakama.
A general term for crimson or deep red, often used poetically. In some contexts, it can refer to scarlet, especially in classical literature.
紅 can also mean 'rouge' or 'lipstick'. Context is important.
A specific traditional dye color, a vivid scarlet derived from safflower and other dyes. Used historically for high-ranking samurai garments.
Using scarlet to convey strong emotions, sin, passion, or vividness in a metaphorical sense.
Means 'bright red' or 'deep red', often used to describe something vividly scarlet, like a face flushed with embarrassment or anger. It is a very common and natural expression.
He turned scarlet with embarrassment.
Literally 'burning red', used to describe a fiery, intense scarlet. It carries a passionate or dramatic connotation.
A burning scarlet sunset.
Can also be used symbolically, but less common than 真っ赤 for emotional states.
緋色 is the traditional Japanese word and is suitable for formal or cultural contexts. スカーレット is a modern loanword, common in fashion and design. Use 緋色 when referring to traditional arts or literature, and スカーレット in contemporary, casual settings.
When describing someone turning scarlet from embarrassment or anger, use 真っ赤になる instead of trying to use 緋色 or スカーレット. 真っ赤 is the natural, idiomatic choice.
Scarlet lipstick is popular.
A single deep scarlet rose was blooming.
神社の鳥居は朱色に塗られている。
The torii gate at the shrine is painted vermilion.
紅の花びらが風に舞う。
Scarlet petals dance in the wind.
猩々緋の陣羽織を着た武将。
A warlord wearing a jinbaori of scarlet.
His face turned scarlet with anger.