Translation guide
A stencil is a thin sheet with a pattern cut out, used to reproduce the design onto a surface. In Japanese, the word depends on the material, purpose, and context.
A thin sheet with cut-out shapes used to trace or paint patterns.
The most common loanword for 'stencil' in modern Japanese, used in arts, crafts, and DIY contexts.
ステンシルを使って壁に模様を描いた。
I painted a pattern on the wall using a stencil.
Literally 'pattern paper', used for stencils in dyeing, crafts, and sometimes general stencils. More traditional feel.
型紙を切り抜いて、Tシャツにプリントした。
I cut out a stencil and printed it on a T-shirt.
Often used for digital or design templates, but can refer to physical stencils in technical contexts.
設計図を描くためにテンプレートを使った。
I used a stencil to draw the blueprint.
A specialized stencil used in katazome or other traditional textile dyeing techniques.
Specifically refers to the traditional stencil paper from Ise, used in kimono dyeing. Highly precise.
伊勢型紙は着物の染色に使われる伝統的な型紙です。
Ise-katagami is a traditional stencil used for dyeing kimono.
General term for dyeing stencil. Less specific than Ise-katagami.
染色用型紙を彫るのは細かい作業だ。
Carving a dyeing stencil is delicate work.
A stencil used in duplicating machines like the mimeograph.
Historical term for the stencil paper used in mimeograph machines. Rarely used today.
昔、学校で謄写版原紙を使って印刷した。
In the old days, we printed using mimeograph stencils at school.
ステンシル is the loanword and feels modern, often used for DIY and art projects. 型紙 is the native word and can sound more traditional, especially in dyeing contexts, but is also used in sewing and crafts.
ステンシルシートを買ってきて、子供と一緒に絵を描いた。
I bought a stencil sheet and drew pictures with my child.
型紙を使って浴衣を染めた。
I dyed a yukata using a stencil.
テンプレート usually means a digital or conceptual template, not a physical stencil for painting. Use ステンシル or 型紙 for physical stencils.
星のステンシルを作った。
I made a stencil of a star.
彼女はケーキを飾るのにステンシルを使った。
She used a stencil to decorate the cake.