錦
Meanings
1
Refers to the richly figured woven fabric, often with gold or silver threads, traditionally used for obi, Noh costumes, and decorative items.
This obi is woven from brocade using gold thread.
2
fine clothes; splendid attire
Figurative extension from the fabric; used for beautiful, luxurious clothing, often in literary or poetic contexts.
Return home in glory (lit. adorned in brocade).
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉が錦に染まるfor a place (mountains, hills) to be ablaze with autumn colors as vivid as brocade
In autumn, the whole mountain turns into a tapestry of brilliant colors.
- 錦の〈物〉an item made of brocade (e.g. obi, banner)
The bride wore a brocade obi.
- 錦を織るto weave brocade
The craftsman carefully weaves brocade.
Expressions
- 錦の御旗Imperial standard; brocade banner · worthy cause; noble banner
- 錦を飾るreturn home in glory; come back a hero
- 内裸でも外錦keep up appearances; dress up outwardly despite inner poverty
- 故郷に錦を飾るreturn home in triumph; come back to one's hometown in glory
- 故郷へ錦を飾るreturn home in triumph; come back to one's hometown in glory