Translation guide
A piece of jewelry worn around the neck. In Japanese, the most common word is ネックレス, a loanword from English. There are also traditional Japanese terms like 首飾り and 首輪, but they have different nuances.
To refer to a necklace as a piece of jewelry, typically made of metal, beads, or gems.
The most common and neutral word for a necklace in modern Japanese. It is a loanword from English and used for all kinds of necklaces, especially those made of precious metals or with pendants.
彼女は真珠のネックレスをしていた。
She was wearing a pearl necklace.
このネックレスは誕生日プレゼントです。
This necklace is a birthday present.
A more traditional Japanese word for necklace, literally 'neck decoration'. It can sound slightly more formal or literary, and is often used for decorative or ethnic necklaces rather than fine jewelry.
民族衣装には色鮮やかな首飾りが欠かせない。
Colorful necklaces are essential for traditional costumes.
Specifically refers to a pendant necklace, where the focus is on the hanging ornament. Often used when the pendant itself is the main feature.
ハート型のペンダントをもらいました。
I received a heart-shaped pendant necklace.
To refer to a short necklace that fits closely around the neck.
A loanword for 'choker', a close-fitting necklace worn around the neck. Common in fashion contexts.
彼女は黒いチョーカーをつけている。
She is wearing a black choker.
To refer to a collar worn by pets, which might be called a 'necklace' in English in some contexts.
Means 'collar' for animals. While it can literally be translated as 'neck ring', it is not used for human jewelry. Using it for a person's necklace would be insulting or comical.
Do not use 首輪 to refer to a human necklace; it implies an animal collar and can be offensive.
犬に新しい首輪を買ってあげた。
I bought a new collar for my dog.
The word 首輪 (くびわ) means 'collar' for animals. Using it to refer to a person's necklace is rude and unnatural. Stick to ネックレス or 首飾り for jewelry.
ネックレス is the default word for necklace in modern Japanese, especially for Western-style jewelry. 首飾り is more traditional and often used for ethnic or decorative pieces. In everyday conversation, ネックレス is safer and more common.