Translation guide
A watermark is a faint design or text embedded in paper or digital media, used for identification, security, or branding. This guide covers how to express the concept of a watermark in Japanese, from physical paper marks to digital overlays.
A faint design or text embedded in paper, visible when held up to light, used for security or identification.
The standard term for a physical watermark in paper, such as on banknotes, official documents, or high-quality stationery.
This banknote has a watermark.
Please hold the watermark up to the light to check it.
Literally 'watermark pattern', used when emphasizing the design aspect of the watermark.
The watermark pattern on this paper is very beautiful.
A semi-transparent logo, text, or pattern overlaid on digital images or video to indicate ownership or prevent unauthorized use.
Also used for digital watermarks, though sometimes clarified with context. Very common in photography and design.
I put a watermark on the photo to protect the copyright.
Specifically 'digital watermark', often used in technical contexts for invisible watermarks embedded in data.
Loanword from English, commonly used in software interfaces and casual contexts.
The action of adding a watermark to something.
The most natural way to say 'to watermark' something. Literally 'to put in a watermark'.
Please watermark this document.
Don't forget to watermark the image.
Using the loanword, common in digital contexts.
透かし (すかし) is the native Japanese term and works for both physical and digital watermarks. ウォーターマーク is a direct loanword and is very common in software, apps, and casual conversation about digital media. In formal or traditional contexts (e.g., paper, banknotes), 透かし is preferred.
When talking about digital watermarks, 透かし alone is often sufficient, but you can add 電子 (でんし) for clarity in technical discussions. In everyday photo editing, just 透かし is fine.
This image has a digital watermark embedded in it.
Please tell me how to add a watermark to a video.
I'm looking for an app that watermarks photos.