Translation guide
The bright red mineral cinnabar, used historically as a pigment and in traditional crafts. In Japanese, the word 辰砂 (しんしゃ) is the direct equivalent, but learners may also encounter related terms for the color or pigment.
Referring to the mineral itself, mercury sulfide, often in geological or historical contexts.
The standard Japanese term for the mineral cinnabar. Used in scientific and historical contexts.
Cinnabar is an important ore of mercury.
An alternative term for cinnabar, often used in traditional Chinese medicine or alchemy contexts. Less common than 辰砂.
古代中国では丹砂が錬丹術に使われました。
In ancient China, cinnabar was used in alchemy.
Describing the vivid red color characteristic of cinnabar, often in art, design, or traditional contexts.
The most common word for vermilion or bright red-orange, often associated with cinnabar pigment. Used in everyday contexts for the color.
鳥居は朱色に塗られています。
The torii gate is painted vermilion.
A reddish color like cinnabar, often used in traditional Japanese color names. Less common than 朱色.
この着物の丹色が美しいですね。
The cinnabar color of this kimono is beautiful.
Literally 'cinnabar color', a very specific term used in art or design. Rarely used in daily conversation.
画家は辰砂色の顔料を探していました。
The painter was looking for a cinnabar-colored pigment.
Referring to the red pigment made from cinnabar, especially for traditional seals (hanko) or calligraphy.
The red ink paste used for personal seals (hanko). Made from cinnabar or synthetic substitutes. Essential for official documents.
朱肉をつけて印鑑を押してください。
Please press your seal using the red ink paste.
Red ink stick or liquid used in calligraphy and painting, traditionally made from cinnabar. Used for corrections or decorative writing.
先生は朱墨で答案を添削します。
The teacher corrects exam papers with red ink.
An archaic or poetic term for cinnabar pigment, often seen in historical texts or place names. Not used in modern everyday language.
丹の色は古来より魔除けとされてきた。
The color of cinnabar has been considered a talisman since ancient times.
辰砂 (しんしゃ) refers specifically to the mineral, while 朱色 (しゅいろ) is the color. In everyday conversation about colors, use 朱色. For geology or chemistry, use 辰砂.
English 'cinnabar' and 'vermillion' are often used interchangeably for the color, but in Japanese, 朱色 (しゅいろ) covers both. There is no separate common word for 'vermillion' distinct from cinnabar red.