Japanese word

洋風

Pronunciation

Romajiyōfū

Meaning

  • na-adjectivewestern-style

Example

これは洋風の家です。ko re wa yō fū no ie de su

This is a western-style house.

Illustration for 洋風 (western-style)

More examples

新しい家の外観を洋風にしました。atara shi i ie no gai kan o yō fū ni shi ma shi ta

We gave the new house a western-style exterior.

Core concept

Describes a style shaped by Western culture and conventions rather than traditional Japanese ones.

Common phrases

  • 洋風な家具yō fū na ka gu

    western-style furniture

  • 洋風な建物yō fū na tate mono

    a western-style building

  • 洋風に改装するyō fū ni kai sō su ru

    remodel in a western style

Similar words

西洋風seiyōfū: Describes a style based on Western customs, design, or ways of living.
欧風ōfū: Describes a style associated with European culture, design, or customs.
洋式yōshiki: Describes a Western form or method used in buildings, objects, or equipment.

Definition in Japanese

西洋の文化や様式を取り入れたさま。sei yō no bun ka ya yō shiki o to ri i re ta sa ma

Word origin

洋風 (yōfū) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 洋 (yō, "the West") and 風 (fū, "style").

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 洋風 (yōfū) often contrasts with 和風 (wafū) when describing interiors, buildings, or food.

Opposites

Related words

  • 洋風化yōfūkawesternizationnoun

Word lists with this word