Translation guide
An insignia is a badge, emblem, or symbol that represents rank, membership, or authority. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 記章 (きしょう), but other words like 徽章 (きしょう) and 紋章 (もんしょう) are used depending on the context.
To refer to a physical badge, pin, or emblem worn on clothing to indicate rank, membership, or an award.
The most general term for a badge or medal awarded for service, achievement, or membership. Often used for official insignia like police badges or commemorative medals.
彼は警察の記章を付けていた。
He was wearing a police insignia.
その記章は功績を称えるものだ。
That insignia is to honor achievements.
A more formal or traditional term for a badge or emblem, often used for school badges, company pins, or heraldic symbols. Can be interchangeable with 記章 but has a slightly more decorative or symbolic nuance.
学生は制服に学校の徽章を付けます。
Students wear the school insignia on their uniforms.
A loanword from English, commonly used for casual or modern badges, such as name tags, event badges, or collectible pins. Less formal than 記章.
イベントでスタッフはバッジを着けていた。
The staff wore badges at the event.
To refer to a design or symbol used as an identifying mark, such as a family crest, military emblem, or corporate logo.
Refers to a heraldic crest, coat of arms, or emblematic design. Commonly used for family crests (家紋), national emblems, or organizational symbols.
彼の家の紋章は鷹のデザインだ。
His family's insignia is a hawk design.
その旗には王室の紋章が描かれていた。
The flag bore the royal insignia.
A loanword for 'emblem,' often used for modern logos, car emblems, or team symbols. More contemporary than 紋章.
A general term for 'symbol,' but can be used for insignia in a broad sense. Less specific than 紋章.
To specifically refer to badges or patches indicating military rank.
The standard term for military rank insignia, such as stripes, stars, or bars on a uniform.
彼の肩には大佐の階級章があった。
He had the insignia of a colonel on his shoulder.
Specifically refers to collar insignia, often used for military or uniformed services.
その軍服の襟章は金色だった。
The collar insignia on the uniform was gold.
記章 (きしょう) is the most common for badges and medals. 徽章 (きしょう) is more formal and often used for school or company emblems. 紋章 (もんしょう) is specifically for heraldic designs like family crests. In casual contexts, バッジ or エンブレム may be used.
記章は功績に対して与えられる。
An insignia is given for achievements.
徽章は制服に縫い付けられていた。
The insignia was sewn onto the uniform.
紋章は家の歴史を表している。
The insignia represents the family's history.
車のエンブレムが光っていた。
The car's insignia was shining.
鳩は平和のシンボルだ。
The dove is a symbol of peace.