Translation guide
Japanese expressions for 'varnish' as a clear protective coating, the act of applying it, and figurative uses.
The substance itself, typically a transparent liquid that dries to a hard, glossy finish on wood or other surfaces.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'varnish' as a coating. A loanword from English 'varnish' via Dutch 'vernis'. Used for both the liquid and the dried finish.
This desk has been varnished. (lit. Varnish has been applied to this desk.)
Once the varnish dries, please apply another coat.
An alternative loanword, closer to the English pronunciation. Less common than ニス but understood, especially in technical or artistic contexts.
I use varnish for the final coat on oil paintings.
Literally 'transparent paint/coating'. A more technical or descriptive term, used when specifying the clear nature of the coating. Not an everyday word.
This clear coating brings out the beauty of the wood grain.
The process or action of coating something with varnish.
The standard verb phrase meaning 'to varnish' or 'to apply varnish'. 塗る means 'to paint/coat/apply'.
I plan to varnish the floor tomorrow.
Please ventilate well when varnishing.
Means 'to give a varnish finish' or 'to finish with varnish'. Used in woodworking and crafts.
A metaphorical use meaning a superficially attractive appearance that hides something less pleasant, or to gloss over flaws.
Means 'to gloss over the surface' or 'to keep up appearances'. うわべ means 'surface/exterior', 取り繕う means 'to patch up/cover up'. Captures the idea of hiding flaws with a superficial layer.
He's just varnishing over the cracks. (lit. He's just patching up the surface.)
Means 'to embellish' or 'to whitewash', often used for financial statements or facts. Closer to 'varnish' in the sense of making something look better than it is.
A noun phrase meaning 'superficial beauty' or 'veneer'. Used to describe something that looks good on the surface but lacks substance.
In most everyday situations, use ニス for the substance and ニスを塗る for the action. ワニス is acceptable but less common. Avoid directly translating English figurative uses; instead, use the Japanese expressions provided.
This chair has a varnish finish.
The report has been varnished. (i.e., made to look better than it is)
It's nothing but a varnish of beauty.