格子模様(こうしもよう)

Describes a pattern of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines forming squares or rectangles. The term covers everything from fabric plaids to architectural lattice designs to chess boards.

Common collocations

• 格子模様(こうしもよう)の布(ぬの): checkered fabric
• 格子模様(こうしもよう)のネクタイ: plaid necktie
• 細(こま)かい格子模様(こうしもよう): fine grid pattern

Similar words

• チェック柄(がら): check pattern (loanword; very common in fashion contexts)
• 市松模様(いちまつもよう): checkerboard pattern (traditional Japanese term; alternating colored squares like a chessboard)
• 縞模様(しまもよう): stripe pattern (lines running in one direction only)
• 格子(こうし): lattice, grid (the structural element itself, without 模様(もよう))

Cultural note

The 格子(こうし) (lattice) is a significant motif in Japanese culture, seen in traditional wooden window screens (格子窓(こうしまど)), shop fronts, and textile patterns. The related 市松模様(いちまつもよう) gained worldwide recognition as the design motif for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.