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.
He described the incident in detail.
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.
The report describes the situation in detail.
Used for vivid, detailed description, often in literature or art. It emphasizes painting a picture with words.
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.
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.
Her personality can be described as "cheerful."
The scenery can only be described as beautiful.
A simpler, more casual way to say "describe as ~" or "call ~".
Some people describe him as an eccentric.
Means to describe using adjectives or figurative language. More formal and less common in everyday speech.
Its beauty cannot be described in words.
To describe what someone or something looks like.
To show or portray something in a picture, story, etc.
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.
The movie describes the horrors of war.