Translation guide
A scarf is a piece of cloth worn around the neck or head for warmth, fashion, or religious reasons. In Japanese, the most common word is マフラー for a winter scarf, while スカーフ is used for fashion scarves. There are also traditional Japanese scarves like 襟巻き.
A long, thick scarf worn around the neck for warmth, typically knitted or woolen.
The standard word for a winter scarf. It is a loanword from English 'muffler' and is used for thick, warm scarves.
寒いからマフラーを巻いて出かけた。
I wrapped a scarf around my neck and went out because it was cold.
このマフラーは祖母が編んでくれたものです。
This scarf was knitted for me by my grandmother.
A traditional Japanese word for a scarf or muffler, literally 'neck wrap'. It is less common in modern speech but still understood.
祖父はいつも襟巻きをしていた。
My grandfather always wore a scarf.
A lighter, often square or rectangular scarf worn as an accessory, made of silk, cotton, or other decorative fabrics.
A loanword from English 'scarf', used specifically for fashion scarves, often silk or decorative. It can be worn around the neck, head, or as an accessory.
彼女はシルクのスカーフを首に巻いている。
She is wearing a silk scarf around her neck.
そのスカーフはブランド物だ。
That scarf is a designer brand.
A small scarf or neckerchief, often worn by men or as part of a uniform. Less common than スカーフ.
A scarf worn over the head for religious, cultural, or fashion reasons.
Also used for head scarves. Context usually makes it clear.
彼女はスカーフで髪を覆っている。
She covers her hair with a scarf.
A more specific term for a head scarf, though スカーフ is more common.
ヘッドスカーフを巻いた女性がいた。
There was a woman wearing a head scarf.
To eat something quickly and eagerly. This is a slang usage in English.
There is no direct equivalent for the slang verb 'scarf'. Instead, use verbs like かき込む (to shovel food into one's mouth) or 急いで食べる (to eat quickly).
彼は昼食をかき込んだ。
He scarfed down his lunch.
急いで食べないと遅刻する。
I have to scarf this down or I'll be late.
Means to eat greedily or wolf down food. It conveys the eagerness of 'scarfing'.
子供たちはケーキをがつがつ食べた。
The kids scarfed down the cake.
マフラー is for warmth, usually thick and knitted. スカーフ is for fashion, often lighter and made of silk or cotton. Using マフラー for a silk scarf sounds odd.
冬はマフラーが必需品です。
A scarf is essential in winter.
そのスカーフ、素敵ですね。
That scarf is lovely.
If you use スカーフ to refer to a thick winter scarf, it may cause confusion. Stick to マフラー for warmth.
He paired a neckerchief with his suit.