紋章(もんしょう)

もんしょう
noun
crest, coat of arms, emblem
1. crest, coat of arms, emblem, heraldic symbol
A symbolic design used to identify a family, organization, or institution. In Japanese contexts, refers to family crests (家紋(かもん)). In Western contexts, refers to coats of arms and heraldic symbols.
王家(おうけ)の紋章(もんしょう)が刻(きざ)まれている。
The royal coat of arms is engraved on it.
この盾(たて)には騎士(きし)の家(いえ)の紋章(もんしょう)が描(えが)かれている。
The knight's family crest is depicted on this shield.
ヨーロッパでは、紋章(もんしょう)は家柄(いえがら)や地位(ちい)を示(しめ)す重要(じゅうよう)なシンボルだった。
In Europe, coats of arms were important symbols indicating family lineage and status.

Usage

紋章(もんしょう) can refer to both Japanese 家紋(かもん) (family crests) and Western heraldic designs. In practice, it is more commonly used for Western-style coats of arms and in fantasy/game contexts, while 家紋(かもん) is preferred for traditional Japanese family crests.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 国章(こくしょう) (national emblem)
general
Added 2026.2.27 14:07 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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