Translation guide
A pattern of filled circles, often on fabric. In Japanese, the most common term is 水玉模様 (mizutama moyō), literally 'water drop pattern'. There are also casual and specific terms.
Describing a pattern of round dots, typically on clothing, accessories, or fabric.
Emphasizing bigger, more prominent dots, sometimes associated with retro or pop fashion.
Literally 'larger water drops'. Describes polka dots that are bigger than usual.
大きめの水玉が特徴的なスカートです。
This skirt features large polka dots.
Describing tiny dots, like pin dots.
Literally 'fine water drops'. Used for small, densely packed polka dots.
細かい水玉のシャツは上品に見える。
A shirt with small polka dots looks elegant.
水玉模様 is the most natural and widely understood term. ドット is more casual and trendy, often used in fashion magazines. For formal or traditional contexts, stick with 水玉模様.
Avoid saying ポルカドット (poruka dotto) as a direct translation. While some Japanese may understand it, it's not commonly used and sounds unnatural.
The standard term for polka dot pattern. 水玉 means 'water drop', and 模様 means 'pattern'. Used for any polka dot design.
彼女は水玉模様のワンピースを着ている。
She is wearing a polka dot dress.
この水玉模様のネクタイはかわいいですね。
This polka dot tie is cute, isn't it?
Loanword from English 'dot'. Often used in fashion contexts, especially for smaller dots. Can be combined with 柄 (pattern) as ドット柄.
ドット柄のスカートが流行っている。
Dot-pattern skirts are in fashion.
Short for 水玉模様, used in casual conversation or as a noun modifier. Can also mean 'water drop' literally, but context clarifies.
水玉のブラウスを買った。
I bought a polka dot blouse.
Uses 大 (big) + ドット (dot). Common in fashion descriptions.
大ドットのワンピースがレトロでかわいい。
The large polka dot dress is retro and cute.
Loanword 'pin dot', used in fashion for very small dots.
ピンドットのネクタイはビジネスにも使える。
A pin-dot tie can also be used for business.