Translation guide
A close-up is a photograph, film shot, or detailed view taken at close range. In Japanese, the most common way to express this is the loanword クローズアップ, used as both a noun and a verb. For more descriptive or technical contexts, native Japanese terms like 大写し or 接写 are used.
クローズアップ
close-up (photo/film)
A photograph or film shot taken at very close range, showing a subject in detail.
The most common and versatile term for a close-up in photography and film. It can be used as a noun or combined with する to form a verb.
彼女の顔のクローズアップを撮った。
I took a close-up of her face.
そのシーンは花のクローズアップで始まる。
The scene begins with a close-up of a flower.
A native Japanese term meaning 'close-up' or 'large shot', often used in photography and film. Slightly more formal or technical than クローズアップ.
大写しで撮影すると、細部まで鮮明に写る。
When you shoot in close-up, the details come out clearly.
Refers specifically to close-up photography, especially macro photography. Used in technical or hobbyist contexts.
接写レンズを使って花の写真を撮った。
I took a photo of the flower using a close-up lens.
A detailed look at or focus on a particular subject, often in a figurative sense.
Also used figuratively to mean 'highlighting' or 'bringing into focus' a topic or issue. Often used with する.
この記事は環境問題をクローズアップしている。
This article focuses on environmental issues.
Means 'to attract attention' or 'to be in the spotlight'. Used when a subject is being closely examined by the public or media.
その事件はメディアの注目を集めた。
The incident received close media attention.
クローズアップ is the most common and versatile, used in both casual and formal contexts. 大写し is a native Japanese word that sounds slightly more technical or traditional. 接写 specifically refers to extreme close-up or macro photography and is used mainly by photography enthusiasts.