Translation guide
The proportional relationship between the width and height of an image, screen, or video. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the borrowed term アスペクト比, but alternative expressions exist for specific contexts.
アスペクト比は何ですか？
What is the aspect ratio?
16:9のアスペクト比
16:9 aspect ratio
The standard way to refer to aspect ratio in technical and everyday contexts, such as screens, images, and video.
The most common and direct translation, used in photography, video, displays, and design. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
この動画のアスペクト比は16:9です。
The aspect ratio of this video is 16:9.
アスペクト比を変更すると、画像が歪むことがあります。
Changing the aspect ratio may distort the image.
Literally 'height-width ratio'. Used in technical or formal contexts, such as engineering or mathematics. Less common in everyday speech than アスペクト比.
画面の縦横比を調整してください。
Please adjust the aspect ratio of the screen.
Specifically 'screen ratio', used when talking about display or monitor aspect ratios. More limited in scope.
このモニターの画面比は4:3です。
This monitor's aspect ratio is 4:3.
When you want to describe something as being wide, tall, or square in proportion, rather than stating a numerical ratio.
Means 'horizontally long' or 'widescreen'. Used to describe a wide aspect ratio without numbers.
横長の写真を撮りたいです。
I want to take a widescreen photo.
Means 'vertically long' or 'portrait orientation'. Used for tall, narrow proportions.
スマホで縦長の動画を撮る人が増えています。
More people are shooting vertical videos with their smartphones.
Means 'square'. Used when the aspect ratio is 1:1.
インスタグラムでは正方形の画像がよく使われます。
Square images are often used on Instagram.
When stating a specific aspect ratio, use the pattern 'X対Y' (XたいY) before アスペクト比 or 縦横比. For example, '4対3' means 4:3. The colon is often read as 対 (たい).