How to say "badge" in Japanese

• バッジJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe default word for badge in most everyday senses, such as an identification badge or a collector's pin. If you just mean "badge," this is usually the word to reach for.
  男子だんし生徒せいとのめいめいが帽子ぼうしに学校がっこうのバッジをつけています。↗

  Each boy student has a school badge on his cap.
• ワッペンCommon
  nounA badge that is sewn onto clothing, especially an embroidered emblem patch on a uniform or jacket. Use this when the badge is a cloth patch attached to fabric rather than a pin or medal.
• 記章きしょうCommon
  nounBadge in the sense of official insignia, such as the emblems worn on uniforms or awarded as medals. It covers formal marks of affiliation or honor rather than casual or decorative badges.
• 章しょうJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)Also refers to medals, badges, and insignia, but on its own it is really a suffix-like element for decorated medals and honors. For a plain "badge," one of the other words is usually the better choice.

Use 「バッジ」 for a general badge, 「ワッペン」 for one sewn onto clothing, and 記章 or 章 for official insignia such as medals and uniform emblems.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• バッジbadge
• ワッペンbadge (sewn on clothing)
• 記章きしょうmedal
• 牌はいmedal
• 胸章きょうしょうbadge (worn on the chest)
• しるしbadge
• 章しょうmedal