(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)紋章(もんしょう)(きざ)まれている。
The royal coat of arms is engraved on it.
この(たて)には騎士(きし)(いえ)紋章(もんしょう)(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)家柄(いえがら)地位(ちい)(しめ)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:

  • 紋章(もんしょう)(がく): heraldry
  • (いえ)紋章(もんしょう): family crest
  • 王家(おうけ)紋章(もんしょう): royal coat of arms
  • 紋章(もんしょう)(かか)げる: to display a coat of arms