Translation guide
The English word "style" covers many concepts, from fashion and design to manner of doing things and linguistic register. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners and gives natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a distinctive appearance, often in clothing, interior design, or visual arts.
Loanword from English, widely used for fashion, figure, or overall look. Very common in everyday conversation.
彼女はスタイルがいい。
She has a good figure / She's stylish.
この服のスタイルが好きです。
I like the style of these clothes.
Specifically refers to fashion or clothing style. Often used in compound words like ファッションスタイル.
Refers to design or style of objects, graphics, etc. Not limited to clothing.
Describing how something is done, a characteristic method or approach.
Referring to a distinctive genre, technique, or expression in arts.
Referring to formal vs. informal language, or style of speech/writing.
Having a sense of style, being fashionable or elegant.
Adjectival noun meaning stylish, fashionable, or well-dressed. Very common.
Referring to a standardized format for documents, citations, or typography.
Format or style for documents, spreadsheets, etc. Common in IT and business.
While スタイル is versatile, it can sound vague or overly Westernized in some contexts. Use more specific Japanese words like やり方, 作風, or 書式 when appropriate.
彼の料理のスタイルはユニークだ。
His cooking style is unique. (Understandable, but やり方 or 流儀 might sound more natural.)
やり方 is the general, neutral word for 'way of doing'. 流儀 implies a more established, often traditional or personal style, and can carry a nuance of pride or stubbornness.
彼のやり方は効率的だ。
His method is efficient. (Neutral)
彼のファッションはいつも個性的だ。
His fashion style is always unique.
この椅子のデザインはモダンだ。
The design of this chair is modern.
General term for way of doing something, method, or style. Very common and natural.
彼のやり方は独特だ。
His style of doing things is unique.
自分なりのやり方でやってみて。
Try it in your own style.
Refers to a traditional or established style, often in arts or personal principles. Slightly formal.
彼は自分の流儀を曲げない。
He sticks to his own style.
Also used for manner or approach, especially in creative or professional contexts.
彼の指導スタイルは厳しい。
His teaching style is strict.
Specifically refers to an artist's or writer's style. Very natural for literature, painting, etc.
この作家の作風は写実的だ。
This author's style is realistic.
Commonly used for musical or artistic style, especially in modern contexts.
彼の音楽スタイルはジャズに影響されている。
His musical style is influenced by jazz.
Formal term for style, often used in architecture, art history, or technical descriptions.
この建築はゴシック様式だ。
This architecture is Gothic style.
Refers to literary or written style, including formal/informal register.
この文章は文体が硬い。
This text has a stiff/formal style.
Way of speaking, including politeness level and manner. More about spoken style.
彼の話し方はとても丁寧だ。
His speaking style is very polite.
Choice of words, phrasing, or diction. Often implies politeness or style of expression.
目上の人には丁寧な言葉遣いをしなさい。
Use polite language/style with superiors.
彼女はいつもおしゃれだ。
She is always stylish.
Refined, chic, or tasteful, often with a traditional Japanese aesthetic. Not for modern fashion.
彼の着物の着こなしは粋だ。
His way of wearing a kimono is stylish/chic.
レポートの書式を統一してください。
Please standardize the report style/format.
Used in software for style settings (e.g., Word styles).
見出しのスタイルを変更する。
Change the heading style.
彼の流儀は古い。
His style is old-fashioned. (Slightly critical, implying a set way)
彼の流儀は古い。
His style is old-fashioned. (Slightly critical, implying a set way)