装飾

そうしょく

ornament

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "装飾" (そうしょく) refers to decorations or ornaments used to beautify or embellish something. It is often used in contexts involving interior design, clothing, events, and art. The term carries a formal tone and is common in written and formal spoken Japanese.

Common Contexts

  • Interior decoration: walls, rooms, furniture
  • Clothing and accessories: decorative elements on dresses or costumes
  • Seasonal or event decorations: Christmas trees, festivals

Collocations and Patterns

  • 装飾を施す (そうしょくをほどこす): to apply decoration
  • 装飾品 (そうしょくひん): decorative items or accessories
  • 壁の装飾 (かべのそうしょく): wall decoration

Usage Notes

When using 装飾, the focus is on the act or result of decorating something to enhance its appearance. It is more formal than casual words like "飾り" (かざり). Learners should avoid confusing 装飾 with "装着" (そうちゃく), which means "to wear" or "to equip."

Example Sentences

へやのかべにうつくしいそうしょくがほどこされている。

Beautiful decorations are applied to the room's walls.

くりすますつりーのそうしょくをかぞくでたのしんだ。

The family enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree.

このどれすはしんぷるだけど、むなもとのそうしょくがとてもはなやかだ。

This dress is simple, but the decoration on the chest is very glamorous.