Translation guide
The English word 'umbrella' refers to a portable device used for protection against rain or sun. In Japanese, the most common word is 傘 (かさ), but there are specific terms for different types, as well as related expressions and cultural notes.
A portable folding canopy used to protect against rain.
The general term for umbrella, most commonly referring to a rain umbrella. Can be used for both folding and non-folding types.
It looks like rain, so you should take an umbrella.
傘を忘れてしまった。
I forgot my umbrella.
Specifically a rain umbrella, as opposed to a sun umbrella. Used when distinction is needed.
雨傘と日傘を間違えて持ってきてしまった。
I accidentally brought a rain umbrella instead of a parasol.
A folding umbrella, compact and portable. Commonly carried in bags.
折りたたみ傘をいつもバッグに入れています。
I always keep a folding umbrella in my bag.
A cheap, transparent plastic umbrella often sold at convenience stores. Very common in Japan.
急な雨だったのでコンビニでビニール傘を買った。
It was sudden rain, so I bought a plastic umbrella at the convenience store.
A light umbrella used to block sunlight.
A parasol or sun umbrella, used to block sunlight. Often made with UV-blocking fabric.
夏は日傘をささないと暑くてたまらない。
In summer, it's unbearably hot unless I use a parasol.
日傘は紫外線対策に効果的です。
A parasol is effective for UV protection.
Loanword from English 'parasol', often used for larger beach or garden umbrellas.
Two people sharing one umbrella, often with romantic connotations.
Literally 'love-love umbrella', refers to a couple sharing an umbrella. Also used for the doodle of an umbrella with two names written underneath.
相合傘で帰る二人が微笑ましい。
The two of them going home under one umbrella is heartwarming.
Using 'umbrella' to mean a protective or encompassing entity.
Means 'under the umbrella of ~', used for organizations, subsidiaries, or protection. The word 傘下 literally means 'under the umbrella'.
その会社は大手企業の傘下にある。
That company is under the umbrella of a major corporation.
Refers to 'nuclear umbrella', a term in international relations.
その国はアメリカの核の傘に守られている。
That country is protected by the US nuclear umbrella.
A word or phrase that covers a broad category.
Means 'generic term' or 'umbrella term'. Used when a word encompasses several subcategories.
「家具」はテーブルや椅子などの総称です。
'Furniture' is an umbrella term for tables, chairs, etc.
Literally 'comprehensive term', another way to express 'umbrella term'.
「スポーツ」は包括的な用語だ。
'Sports' is an umbrella term.
傘 (かさ) is the general word for umbrella and usually implies a rain umbrella unless context suggests otherwise. 雨傘 (あまがさ) explicitly means rain umbrella, while 日傘 (ひがさ) means parasol or sun umbrella. Use 傘 in most everyday situations.
今日は日傘を持ってきた。
I brought a parasol today.
雨が降っているから傘をさそう。
It's raining, so let's use an umbrella.
In Japan, it's common to use an umbrella stand (傘立て) at the entrance of buildings. Many places provide plastic bags for wet umbrellas. It's considered polite to shake off rain before entering, and to not swing your umbrella around in crowded areas.
傘を忘れないでね。
Don't forget your umbrella.
新しい傘を買わなくちゃ。
I need to buy a new umbrella.
傘を貸してもらえますか？
Can I borrow your umbrella?
ビーチに大きなパラソルを立てた。
We set up a large parasol on the beach.