モチーフ

もちーふ

noun

motif, theme, inspiration

1. motif, theme, design element

A recurring design, pattern, or thematic element in art, fashion, music, or storytelling. Also used to describe the inspiration or source material for a creative work.

花(はな)のモチーフのドレスだ。

It's a dress with a floral motif.

この小説(しょうせつ)は実話(じつわ)をモチーフにしている。

This novel is based on a true story.

和風(わふう)のモチーフを取(と)り入(い)れたデザインが海外(かいがい)で人気(にんき)だ。

Designs incorporating Japanese-style motifs are popular overseas.

Etymology

From French "motif," via English.

Common patterns

～をモチーフにする means "to use ~ as inspiration/the basis for" a work. This is the most important pattern to learn:

実話(じつわ)をモチーフにした映画(えいが): a movie inspired by a true story
日本(にほん)の自然(しぜん)をモチーフにしたデザイン: a design inspired by Japanese nature

Common collocations

花(はな)のモチーフ: floral motif
動物(どうぶつ)モチーフ: animal motif
和風(わふう)のモチーフ: Japanese-style motif
デザインモチーフ: design motif

Similar words

テーマ: theme (broader concept of a work)
題材(だいざい): subject matter, source material (more formal)

Related Words

Compare: テーマ (theme)

Compare: 題材(だいざい) (subject matter, source material)

general

Added 2026.2.14 14:12 · Revised 2026.10.14 22:34

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