紫(むらさき)

むらさき
noun, no-adjective
purple, violet
1. purple, violet (color)
A color between red and blue.
紫(むらさき)の花(はな)が咲(さ)いている。
Purple flowers are blooming.
この着物(きもの)は紫(むらさき)色(いろ)だ。
This kimono is purple.
日本(にほん)では古来(こらい)、紫(むらさき)は高貴(こうき)な色(いろ)とされてきた。
In Japan, purple has traditionally been considered a noble color.
2. soy sauce (slang)
A slang term for soy sauce, especially at sushi restaurants.
紫(むらさき)をください。
Please give me soy sauce.
At a sushi restaurant
紫(むらさき)をもう少(すこ)しください。
Please give me a little more soy sauce.
At a sushi restaurant
寿司屋(すしや)では醤油(しょうゆ)のことを紫(むらさき)と呼(よ)ぶ。
At sushi restaurants, soy sauce is called 'murasaki'.

紫(むらさき) is the color purple. In traditional Japan, purple was associated with nobility and high rank.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 紫(むらさき)色(いろ): purple color
  • 紫外線(しがいせん): ultraviolet rays
  • 紫陽花(あじさい): hydrangea (written with 紫)

SUSHI RESTAURANT SLANG:

紫(むらさき) is used to mean 'soy sauce' at sushi restaurants, along with other special terms like:

  • 紫(むらさき): soy sauce
  • あがり: green tea
  • シャリ: sushi rice
  • ガリ: pickled ginger

HISTORICAL NOTE:
Purple dye was expensive and difficult to produce, so 紫(むらさき) became associated with royalty and high status in Japan.

general
Added 2026.1.13 9:40 · Revised 2026.2.5 20:49
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