Translation guide
The English word "stripe" refers to a long, narrow band or line, often of a different color or texture. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 縞 (shima), but the translation depends on the context: pattern, decoration, rank, or a literal line.
Describing a striped pattern on fabric, animals, or surfaces.
General term for stripes as a pattern. Often used in compounds like 縞模様 (striped pattern).
彼は縞のシャツを着ている。
He is wearing a striped shirt.
その猫は灰色と白の縞がある。
That cat has gray and white stripes.
Loanword from English, commonly used in fashion and design contexts.
このストライプのネクタイは素敵ですね。
This striped tie is nice, isn't it?
Refers to lines or streaks, often thin and linear. Can be used for stripes on surfaces or in patterns.
壁に細い筋が入っている。
There are thin stripes on the wall.
Referring to stripes on a uniform indicating rank, especially in military or police contexts.
General term for rank insignia, often in the form of stripes on sleeves or shoulders.
彼の制服の袖には三本の階級章があった。
There were three stripes on the sleeve of his uniform.
Specifically sleeve stripes or chevrons indicating rank.
軍曹は袖章で見分けられる。
Sergeants can be identified by their sleeve stripes.
A long, narrow mark or band, not necessarily part of a pattern.
General word for line; can be used for a single stripe or streak.
道路に白い線が引いてある。
A white stripe is painted on the road.
Counter or suffix for long, thin things; can imply a stripe in some contexts, but is more literary or technical.
光の条が差し込んだ。
A stripe of light shone in.
The action of making stripes on something.
Literally 'to attach a striped pattern', used when adding stripes to a surface.
壁に縞模様をつけた。
I striped the wall.
To put in lines or streaks, often used for thin stripes.
デザインに筋を入れてください。
Please add stripes to the design.
縞 (shima) is the native Japanese word and is used broadly for stripes in nature, traditional patterns, and everyday items. ストライプ (sutoraipu) is a loanword often used in fashion and modern design. Both are common, but 縞 is more versatile.
There is no single verb 'to stripe' in Japanese. Instead, use phrases like 縞模様をつける or 筋を入れる depending on the context.