Translation guide
The English word "illustration" can refer to a picture in a book, an example that clarifies an idea, or the act of illustrating. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
To refer to a visual image that accompanies text, such as in a book, magazine, or article.
The most common and natural word for an illustration in everyday contexts. It is a loanword from English and is widely used in both spoken and written Japanese.
This book has many illustrations.
She is good at drawing illustrations.
Specifically refers to an illustration inserted into a text, such as in a novel or textbook. Slightly more formal and literary than イラスト.
A general term for a diagram, figure, or illustration, often used in academic or technical contexts. It can refer to any kind of explanatory drawing.
A broad term for a picture, painting, or drawing. It can be used for illustrations but is less specific. Often implies a hand-drawn or artistic image.
To use a specific case or story to make a concept easier to understand.
The most common word for an example or instance. It can be used in almost any context.
Please give a concrete illustration.
This is a good illustration.
A real-life example or actual case. It emphasizes that the example is not hypothetical.
A formal term for exemplification or illustrative proof, often used in academic or legal writing.
To refer to the process or job of creating illustrations.
イラスト is the most general and common term for any kind of illustration, from cartoons to technical drawings. 挿絵 specifically refers to illustrations placed within a text, like in a novel. 図 is used for diagrams, charts, and figures, often in academic or instructional materials.
The illustrations in this article are easy to understand.
The diagrams in the textbook are complicated.
イラスト only means a visual illustration. To express 'illustration' as an example or instance, use 例 (れい) or 実例 (じつれい). Using イラスト in that context will cause confusion.
The book is full of colorful illustrations.
Let me give you an illustration of what I mean.
That novel comes with beautiful illustrations.
Please refer to Figure 1.
The child is drawing a picture.
実例を使って説明します。
I will explain using a real-life illustration.
このデータは仮説の例証となる。
This data serves as an illustration of the hypothesis.
Drawing illustrations is her hobby.