紋(もん)

もん
noun
crest, family crest, pattern
1. family crest, emblem, mon
A heraldic symbol used to identify a Japanese family, clan, or organization. Traditionally displayed on formal kimono, gates, and household items. Similar in function to European coats of arms.
家(いえ)の紋(もん)は菊(きく)だ。
Our family crest is a chrysanthemum.
着物(きもの)に家紋(かもん)が入(はい)っている。
The kimono has a family crest on it.
徳川家(とくがわけ)の紋(もん)は三(み)つ葉(ば)葵(あおい)として広(ひろ)く知(し)られている。
The Tokugawa family crest is widely known as the triple hollyhock.
2. pattern, design, marking
A decorative pattern or natural marking, such as the pattern on an animal's body or a design motif.
蝶(ちょう)の羽(はね)に美(うつく)しい紋(もん)がある。
There are beautiful patterns on the butterfly's wings.
指(ゆび)には一人(ひとり)ひとり違(ちが)う指紋(しもん)がある。
Each person has a unique fingerprint.
虎(とら)の体(からだ)には独特(どくとく)の縞(しま)紋(もん)がある。
Tigers have distinctive stripe patterns on their bodies.

CULTURE:
Japanese family crests (家紋(かもん)) date back to the Heian period and became widespread among samurai families. Today, most Japanese families have a 家紋(かもん), though many people are unaware of theirs. The imperial family uses the 菊(きく)の御紋(ごもん) (chrysanthemum crest), and it remains a symbol of the Japanese government.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 家紋(かもん): family crest
  • 紋付(もんつき): crested formal kimono
  • 菊(きく)の紋(もん): chrysanthemum crest
  • 指紋(しもん): fingerprint
  • 紋(もん)が入(はい)る: have a crest on it
general
Added 2026.2.27 14:46
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