Translation guide
The English phrase "black and white" has several distinct meanings. It can refer to literal colors, monochrome images, clear moral distinctions, or written documents. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each context.
Describing something that has the two colors black and white, such as clothing, animals, or objects.
The most common way to say 'black and white' as an adjective. 白黒 (shirokuro) means 'black and white', and の makes it an adjective.
白黒の猫が好きです。
I like black and white cats.
Literally 'white and black', using the conjunction と. Slightly more emphatic or listing the colors separately.
白と黒のストライプのシャツ
a shirt with black and white stripes
From 'monochrome', often used for fashion or design when emphasizing a black-and-white color scheme, but can also mean grayscale.
モノクロコーデがおしゃれですね。
That monochrome outfit is stylish.
Referring to photographs, films, or television that are not in color; grayscale.
The standard term for black-and-white (monochrome) images or films. Can be used as a noun or with の.
この映画は白黒です。
This movie is in black and white.
白黒写真を現像する
to develop black-and-white photos
Describing a situation, issue, or thinking that is clearly divided into right and wrong, good and evil, with no ambiguity.
Literally 'black and white is clear'. This is the most natural way to say something is clear-cut or unambiguous.
彼の意見はいつも白黒はっきりしている。
His opinions are always very black and white.
Literally 'to attach black and white', meaning to determine right from wrong, or to settle a matter clearly.
この問題に白黒をつけなければならない。
We have to settle this issue once and for all.
Literally 'to clearly separate good and evil'. Used when emphasizing moral judgment.
彼は何でも善悪をはっきり分けたがる。
He always wants to see things in black and white.
Referring to something that is written down or in print, often for official proof or clarity.
Literally 'black and white document', meaning a written or printed document. Often used in contexts like 'I need it in black and white'.
契約は白黒の文書にしてください。
Please put the contract in writing.
Means 'in writing' or 'by document'. More formal and common in business settings.
その条件を書面で確認したい。
I want to see those terms in black and white.
Literally 'printed thing'. Can be used when emphasizing the physical printed nature.
証拠として印刷されたものが必要だ。
I need it in black and white as evidence.
When expressing that something is 'black and white' in the sense of clear moral distinction, do not simply say 白黒だ. Use the phrase 白黒はっきりしている or 白黒をつける to sound natural.
この問題は白黒はっきりしている。
This issue is black and white.
白黒 is the general term for black-and-white (monochrome) and is used for photos, films, and also in idiomatic expressions. モノクロ (from monochrome) is often used in fashion, design, or technical contexts, and can imply a stylish black-and-white scheme rather than just lack of color.
その映画はカラーですか、白黒ですか。
Is the movie in color or black and white?
彼女は何でも白黒はっきりさせたがる。
She sees everything in black and white.
契約を書面で残したい。
I want the agreement in black and white.
A more technical or artistic term for monochrome, often shortened to モノクロ in casual speech.
モノクロームの作品を展示しています。
We are exhibiting monochrome works.