How to say "symbol" in Japanese

• 象徴しょうちょうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers a symbol or emblem of something abstract, such as an idea, quality, or institution. This is the word for figurative, representative senses of 'symbol' rather than graphic or technical ones.
  オリーブの枝えだは平和へいわを象徴しょうちょうしている。↗

  An olive branch symbolizes peace.
• マークJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA mark, sign, or emblem such as a logo, badge, or safety sign. For 'symbol' it typically means a visible mark or emblem on something, not an abstract representation.
  私はカレンダーの誕生日たんじょうびに赤あかいマークをつけた。↗

  I put a red mark on the calendar for my birthday.
• シンボルCommon
  no-adjectiveThe loanword for 'symbol' generally, covering both concrete and abstract uses, including team or national symbols. A safe, broad choice when the English word is used as-is.
  ハトは平和へいわのシンボルである。↗

  The dove is a symbol of peace.
• 記号きごうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounA sign or symbol in the graphic, linguistic, or mathematical sense, such as punctuation or mathematical notation. It is the word for written symbols, not for abstract emblems.
  ＆という記号きごうは、ａｎｄを指さす。↗

  The sign '&' stands for 'and'.
• 符号ふごうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounIts core sense is sign, mark, or code, especially in technical contexts such as codes and signals. For 'symbol' it is usually secondary; it is really the word for codes rather than symbols.

Use 象徴 for abstract or emblematic symbols, 「シンボル」 as the general loanword, 記号 for written or technical signs, 「マーク」 for marks and logos, and 符号 mainly for codes or signals rather than symbols.

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

• 象徴しょうちょうsymbol (of something abstract)
• マークmark
• シンボルsymbol
• 記号きごうsign
• 符号ふごうsign
• 表象ひょうしょうsymbol (of)
• 符丁ふちょうsymbol
• 表号ひょうごうsymbol
• 表章ひょうしょうsymbol
• 略号りゃくごうcode
• しるしsymbol
• 表徴ひょうちょうsymbol (of something abstract)