Translation guide
The English word 'mirror' can refer to a physical reflective surface, a metaphorical reflection, or the act of reflecting. This guide covers common Japanese equivalents and usage.
Referring to a physical object that reflects images, such as a bathroom mirror, hand mirror, or wall mirror.
The most common and general word for 'mirror' in Japanese. Used for all types of mirrors.
鏡を見て髪を整えた。
I looked in the mirror and fixed my hair.
その部屋には大きな鏡があった。
There was a large mirror in that room.
Specifically a full-length mirror, used to see one's whole figure.
姿見で全身をチェックした。
I checked my whole outfit in the full-length mirror.
A hand mirror, small mirror held in the hand.
彼女は手鏡で口紅を直した。
She touched up her lipstick using a hand mirror.
Two mirrors placed facing each other to create infinite reflections, or a setup to see the back of one's head.
合わせ鏡で後ろ髪を確認する。
I check the back of my hair using two mirrors.
Using 'mirror' to mean something that reflects or shows a true image, such as a reflection of society, personality, or a situation.
Also used metaphorically, just like in English. Often appears in set phrases.
目は心の鏡だ。
The eyes are the mirror of the soul.
彼の作品は時代の鏡だ。
His works are a mirror of the times.
A phrase meaning 'a mirror that reflects ~'. Used to emphasize the reflective aspect.
この小説は現代社会を映し出す鏡だ。
This novel is a mirror reflecting modern society.
The action of reflecting an image, like a mirror does. Also, to copy or imitate.
Transitive verb meaning 'to reflect' or 'to project' an image onto a surface. The mirror is the subject that does the reflecting.
鏡が顔を映している。
The mirror is reflecting my face.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be reflected' or 'to show up' in a mirror. The image is the subject.
To reflect in a metaphorical sense, such as reflecting opinions or trends. Not used for physical mirror reflections.
その政策は国民の声を反映している。
The policy reflects the voice of the people.
To mirror someone's actions, meaning to imitate or copy. Not related to physical reflection.
Specifically mirrors on cars, bikes, etc.
Rearview mirror inside a car. Loanword from English.
バックミラーで後ろを確認した。
I checked behind using the rearview mirror.
Side mirror (wing mirror) on a car.
Another term for side mirror, literally 'door mirror'.
映す (うつす) is transitive: 'X reflects Y'. 映る (うつる) is intransitive: 'Y is reflected (in X)'. Use を with 映す and が with 映る.
The loanword ミラー is mainly used in compound words like バックミラー or in brand names. For a standard mirror, always use 鏡 (かがみ). Using ミラー alone sounds unnatural.
彼女は鏡で自分の姿を見た。
She looked at herself in the mirror.
湖は鏡のようだった。
The lake was like a mirror.
The mountains are reflected in the lake.
鏡に自分の姿が映った。
My reflection appeared in the mirror.
Children mirror their parents' behavior.
Fold in the side mirrors.
The side mirror broke.