(もんよう)

もんよう
noun
pattern, design, motif
1. pattern, design, decorative motif
A decorative pattern or design, especially one used in traditional arts, textiles, ceramics, or architecture. Often refers to established, named patterns with cultural significance.
着物(きもの)文様(もんよう)(うつく)しい。
The pattern on the kimono is beautiful.
この文様(もんよう)江戸時代(えどじだい)から(つた)わるものだ。
This design has been passed down since the Edo period.
日本(にほん)伝統的(でんとうてき)文様(もんよう)には、自然(しぜん)をモチーフにしたものが(おお)い。
Many traditional Japanese patterns are based on motifs from nature.

USAGE:
文様(もんよう) is used for decorative patterns, especially in traditional crafts and arts. It often implies an established or named pattern type, in contrast to the more general 模様(もよう), which can refer to any pattern or even figurative situations.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 幾何学(きかがく)文様(もんよう): geometric pattern
  • 伝統(でんとう)文様(もんよう): traditional pattern
  • 文様(もんよう)(えが)く: to draw a pattern
  • 唐草(からくさ)文様(もんよう): arabesque pattern
  • 文様(もんよう)(ほどこ)す: to apply a design