Translation guide
The English word 'blanket' refers to a large piece of fabric used for warmth, or metaphorically to something that covers broadly. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
A thick, warm cover used on a bed or for keeping warm while resting.
The most common word for a blanket, especially a wool or fleece blanket used for warmth.
寒いので毛布をもう一枚ください。
It's cold, so please give me one more blanket.
毛布にくるまって寝た。
I slept wrapped in a blanket.
Loanword from English, often used for lighter throws or decorative blankets, or in hotel contexts.
ソファにブランケットをかけた。
I put a blanket over the sofa.
Refers specifically to a duvet or comforter, but can sometimes be translated as 'blanket' in contexts of traditional Japanese bedding.
掛け布団が厚すぎて暑い。
The blanket/comforter is too thick and hot.
Something that covers or affects a wide area or many things, like a blanket policy or blanket of snow.
Used to describe a blanket-like covering of something, such as snow or fog. Literally 'a whole surface of ~'.
一面の雪に覆われた。
It was covered with a blanket of snow.
Means 'comprehensive' or 'blanket' in the sense of covering everything, often used for policies or agreements.
包括的な禁止措置が取られた。
A blanket ban was imposed.
Literally 'extending over the whole of ~', used for blanket policies or effects.
会社全体にわたる賃金カット。
A blanket wage cut across the company.
A blanket with electrical heating elements.
Standard term for an electric blanket.
冬は電気毛布がないと眠れない。
In winter, I can't sleep without an electric blanket.
A small soft blanket for a baby.
Common term for a baby blanket.
赤ちゃんにベビー毛布をかけた。
I put a baby blanket over the baby.
A traditional Japanese wrapping blanket for babies, often used for swaddling.
おくるみで赤ちゃんを包んだ。
I wrapped the baby in a blanket.
毛布 (もうふ) is the general term for a warm blanket, often made of wool or fleece. ブランケット is a loanword that feels slightly more stylish or Western, and is often used for throws or decorative blankets. In everyday conversation, 毛布 is more common for bedding.
Do not use 毛布 for metaphorical 'blanket' (e.g., blanket policy). Use expressions like 包括的 (comprehensive) or 一面の～ (a blanket of ~) instead.
今夜は毛布がもう一枚必要だ。
I need an extra blanket tonight.
地面は一面の雪に覆われていた。
The ground was covered with a blanket of snow.