Translation guide
The ability to form mental images, ideas, or concepts not present to the senses. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 想像 (そうぞう), but other words like 想像力 (そうぞうりょく) and 空想 (くうそう) are used depending on whether you mean the faculty, the act, or fanciful daydreaming.
Referring to imagination as a mental ability or capacity.
The standard word for 'imagination' as a faculty or power. Often used in phrases like 'rich imagination' or 'lack of imagination'.
He has a rich imagination.
Can also refer to the faculty, but more commonly used for the act or product of imagining. When used for the faculty, it often appears in compound phrases.
The process of forming a mental image or idea of something not present or not yet experienced.
The product of imagination; a thought, picture, or concept created in the mind.
The ability to think of new and original ideas.
Use your imagination.
Children have amazing imaginations.
想像を絶する苦しみ
suffering beyond imagination
The most common word for the act of imagining. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'imagine'.
Please try to imagine it.
That is beyond my imagination.
Loanword from English, often used for a mental image or impression, especially in casual or business contexts.
What image comes to mind from that word?
Used for something that is imagined, often contrasted with reality.
That's just your imagination.
I can't tell the difference between reality and imagination.
Refers to fanciful or unrealistic imaginings, daydreams, or fantasies. Often has a nuance of being detached from reality.
That's just a child's fantasy.
Delusion or wild fantasy, often with a negative or pathological connotation. Not a general word for imagination.
He is suffering from paranoid delusions.
Specifically refers to creative power or inventiveness. Often used in artistic or innovative contexts.
She has wonderful creativity.
The ability to come up with ideas or ways of thinking. Common in business and problem-solving contexts.
I'm amazed by his ability to come up with ideas.
indulge in fantasies
delusions of grandeur
The loanword イマジネーション exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to 想像力 or 想像.
It's just your imagination.
He has no imagination.