Translation guide
The English word 'drawing' can refer to the act of making a picture with lines, a picture made this way, or the skill/art form. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean a line drawing, a sketch, a painting-like picture, a diagram, or the act of drawing. This guide helps you choose the right word.
絵を描くのが好きです。
I like drawing.
これは私が描いた絵です。
This is my drawing.
You want to refer to a picture created by drawing lines, typically not painted.
The most general word for a picture, painting, or drawing. It covers both drawn and painted images. When context is clear, it's the safest choice.
This is a drawing I made.
壁に絵が掛けてある。
There is a picture hanging on the wall.
Specifically a line drawing, often without shading or color. Used in art contexts.
この線画はとても細かい。
This line drawing is very detailed.
Loanword from English, used mainly in art or design contexts to refer to the act or product of drawing, often with a modern or technical feel.
彼のドローイングは独創的だ。
His drawings are original.
You want to refer to a quick, informal drawing, often a preliminary study.
Common loanword for a sketch, quick drawing, or rough draft.
公園でスケッチをした。
I did a sketch in the park.
これは建物のスケッチです。
This is a sketch of the building.
A more formal term for a sketch or drawing, often used in fine arts. Can imply a monochrome drawing.
A preliminary drawing or rough sketch used as a base for a painting or other artwork.
You mean a drawing that explains something, like a blueprint, chart, or mechanical drawing.
General word for a diagram, figure, or illustration in a book or document. Often used in compounds like 設計図 (blueprint).
この図を見てください。
Please look at this diagram.
説明のための図を描いた。
I drew a diagram for explanation.
A technical drawing, blueprint, or plan, especially in engineering or architecture.
Drafting or mechanical drawing as a discipline or the resulting drawing.
You want to talk about drawing as an activity or ability.
The most natural way to say 'drawing' as an activity. Literally 'the act of drawing pictures'.
絵を描くことが好きです。
I like drawing.
彼は絵を描くのが上手だ。
He is good at drawing.
From French 'dessin', used in art education for drawing from life or as a foundational skill. Often implies charcoal or pencil drawing.
Drawing pictures, especially for animation, manga, or illustrations. Refers to the production process.
You want to refer to a finished drawing as a piece of art.
A drawing as an artwork, literally 'sketch work'. Used in galleries or formal descriptions.
この素描作品は19世紀のものです。
This drawing is from the 19th century.
Loanword combination for 'drawing work', used in contemporary art contexts.
現代アートのドローイング作品を展示する。
Exhibit contemporary drawing works.
絵 (え) is a general picture, often artistic. 図 (ず) is a diagram or figure meant to convey information. Use 絵 for drawings as art, 図 for technical or explanatory drawings.
子供が絵を描く。
A child draws a picture.
教科書の図を参照してください。
Please refer to the diagram in the textbook.
ドローイング sounds technical or art-world specific. For everyday 'drawing', use 絵 or スケッチ.
彼女は自分の絵を見せてくれた。
She showed me her drawings.
彼は美術学校でデッサンを勉強している。
He is studying drawing at art school.
建築家は図面を完成させた。
The architect finished the drawing.
She is learning drawing (sketching).
First, I draw a rough sketch.
To draw architectural plans.
I have a drafting class.
デッサン教室に通っている。
I attend a drawing class.
To be in charge of drawing for anime.