Translation guide
The English verb "draw" has many distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use, from most common to niche, with natural Japanese equivalents.
To make a picture with a pencil, pen, or other tool.
General verb for drawing or painting a picture. Can also be written 画く.
She likes to draw landscapes.
Used for drawing lines, characters, or simple shapes, but primarily means 'to write'. Use 描く for artistic drawing.
Using 書く for drawing a picture can sound like you are writing characters. Stick to 描く for art.
The child drew a circle on the paper.
To pull something towards you or along a surface.
To cause people to notice or become interested in something.
To pull something out from a container, pocket, or source.
General verb for taking something out. Used for drawing a weapon, drawing money from an ATM, etc.
He drew his wallet from his pocket.
Specifically for pulling out something that is inserted, like a sword from a sheath or a plug from a socket.
Often used for withdrawing money or extracting information.
To create a line, boundary, or mark on a surface.
To pick something randomly, as in a lottery or game.
Used for drawing lots, cards, or numbers. Also used in gacha games.
Please draw a lot.
I drew a card from the deck.
To move towards something or someone, or to bring something near.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to approach' or 'draw near'. Used for time, events, or physical proximity.
The deadline is drawing near.
Transitive verb meaning 'to bring close' or 'draw something near'.
To pull something towards oneself, often used for drawing someone into a hug or drawing an object closer.
To reach a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.
描く (えがく) is for drawing pictures, while 書く (かく) is for writing characters. Using 書く for a picture can be confusing. For simple shapes like circles, 書く is sometimes acceptable, but 描く is safer for any artistic drawing.
English 'draw' covers many meanings that require different Japanese verbs. Always check the intended meaning before translating. For example, 'draw a bath' is お風呂を沸かす (おふろをわかす), not 引く.
She drew a beautiful picture.
He drew the curtains.
The event drew a large crowd.
I drew some money from the ATM.
Please draw a line here.
子供が私の袖を引っ張った。
The child drew my sleeve.
そのイベントは大勢の観客を集めた。
The event drew a large audience.
The samurai drew his sword.
銀行でお金を引き出した。
I drew some money from the bank.
He drew his chair closer to the table.
She drew the child to her chest.
To derive or draw out a conclusion, often used in formal or logical contexts.
He drew a new theory from the experiment.