Translation guide
The English verb "describe" covers a range of situations: giving a detailed account of something, labeling or characterizing it, or depicting it in words. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you are explaining what something is like, giving a physical description, or formally stating characteristics.
To tell about something in detail, often in a narrative or explanatory way.
The most general and common way to say "describe" in the sense of explaining or giving an account. It can be used in almost any context.
彼はその事件について詳しく説明した。
He described the incident in detail.
この機械の使い方を説明してください。
Please describe how to use this machine.
More formal and often used in written or official contexts. It means to state or express something, and can be used for describing facts or opinions.
報告書にはその状況が詳しく述べられている。
The report describes the situation in detail.
Used for vivid, detailed description, often in literature or art. It emphasizes painting a picture with words.
その小説は19世紀のロンドンを生き生きと描写している。
The novel vividly describes 19th-century London.
Means to tell or recount, often a story or personal experience. It can imply a more narrative description.
彼は自分の体験を語った。
He described his experience.
To say what someone or something is like, often using adjectives or categories.
Literally "express as ~". Used when you want to say how you would describe something using a particular word or phrase.
彼女の性格は「明るい」と表現できる。
Her personality can be described as "cheerful."
その景色は美しいとしか表現できない。
The scenery can only be described as beautiful.
A simpler, more casual way to say "describe as ~" or "call ~".
彼のことを変わり者と言う人もいる。
Some people describe him as an eccentric.
Means to describe using adjectives or figurative language. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
その美しさは言葉で形容できない。
Its beauty cannot be described in words.
To describe what someone or something looks like.
Literally "say the characteristics". A natural way to ask for or give a physical description.
犯人の特徴を言ってください。
Please describe the suspect's appearance.
More direct: "explain the outward appearance".
彼の外見を説明してもらえますか？
Can you describe his appearance?
To show or portray something in a picture, story, etc.
Means to draw, paint, or depict. Also used metaphorically for describing in words.
この絵は田園風景を描いている。
This painting describes a rural landscape.
小説の中で彼は理想の社会を描いた。
In the novel, he described an ideal society.
As above, emphasizes detailed depiction.
その映画は戦争の悲惨さを描写している。
The movie describes the horrors of war.
描写する is for vivid, detailed description, often artistic. For everyday explaining, 説明する is much more natural. Using 描写する for simple explanations can sound overly dramatic or literary.
説明する is the default for "describe/explain" in conversation. 述べる is more formal and often used in writing or speeches when stating facts or opinions rather than giving a how-to explanation.