Japanesque
|ja-pa-nesque|
/ˌdʒæpəˈnɛsk/
having a Japanese style
Etymology
'Japanesque' originates from English, specifically formed from 'Japan' + the suffix '-esque', where '-esque' meant 'in the style of'.
'-esque' comes from French '-esque' (from Italian '-esco'), and in the late 19th century English combined it with 'Japan' to form 'Japanesque'.
Initially it meant 'in the manner or style of Japan'; over time the meaning has remained similar but can also carry connotations of imitation or decorative borrowing.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling, characteristic of, or executed in the style of Japan or Japanese art, design, or culture.
The tea room had a Japanesque simplicity, with tatami mats and a low wooden table.
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Adjective 2
superficially or evocatively Japanese; imitative of Japanese motifs (often implying an external or ornamental borrowing).
Some critics described the designer's collection as charming but somewhat Japanesque in a derivative way.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 05:58