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.
この本にはイラストがたくさんある。
This book has many illustrations.
彼女はイラストを描くのが上手だ。
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.
その小説には美しい挿絵がついている。
That novel comes with beautiful illustrations.
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.
図1を参照してください。
Please refer to Figure 1.
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.
子供が絵を描いている。
The child is drawing a picture.
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.
具体的な例を挙げてください。
Please give a concrete illustration.
これは良い例だ。
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.
A compound meaning 'illustration production'. It clearly refers to the act of making illustrations.
彼はイラスト制作を仕事にしている。
He makes a living from illustration.
Literally 'the act of drawing illustrations (for a text)'. More specific to book illustrations.
挿絵を描くことが彼女の趣味だ。
Drawing illustrations is her hobby.
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.
この記事のイラストはわかりやすい。
The illustrations in this article are easy to understand.
教科書の図が複雑だ。
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.
その本はカラフルなイラストでいっぱいだ。
The book is full of colorful illustrations.
私が言いたいことの例を挙げましょう。
Let me give you an illustration of what I mean.
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.