Translation guide
The English word "imaging" covers a range of concepts from medical scans to mental visualization. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what you want to say.
Referring to techniques like MRI, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, etc., used to see inside the body.
The standard term for diagnostic imaging as a medical field or procedure. Literally 'image diagnosis'.
The diagnostic imaging results showed no abnormalities.
Loanword from English, often used in technical or medical contexts, especially in compound terms like 'MRI imaging'.
MRI imaging technology is advancing.
Refers to an imaging examination or test. Common in clinical settings.
The doctor recommended an imaging test.
The act of forming a mental picture of something, often used in psychology, sports training, or creative contexts.
Widely used for mental images, impressions, or visualizing something. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to imagine/visualize'.
Visualize yourself succeeding.
General word for imagination or mental visualization. Often used as 想像する.
A more literary or psychological term for mental imagery. Not common in everyday speech.
Producing a picture, graphic, or visual output, such as in computer graphics, photography, or artistic rendering.
Commonly used for image generation in AI, computer graphics, etc. Literally 'image generation'.
This software can generate high-quality images.
Also used in tech/art contexts, e.g., digital imaging, thermal imaging. Often part of compound terms.
Refers to visualizing something as a video or film, or turning an idea into a visual medium.
They decided to make a film adaptation of the novel.
Imaging in physics, astronomy, remote sensing, etc., such as satellite imaging, thermal imaging, or electron microscopy.
The standard loanword for technical imaging methods. Often combined with a modifier (e.g., サーマルイメージング).
We observe changes on Earth through satellite imaging.
Means 'to convert into an image' or 'imaging' as a process. Used in scientific contexts.
We image the data and analyze it.
イメージ is a mental image or impression. 画像 is a static picture, photo, or graphic. 映像 is a moving image, video, or footage. Choose based on whether you mean a mental picture, a still image, or a video.
While イメージング is understood in technical contexts, it can sound overly technical or unnatural in everyday speech. For medical imaging, 画像診断 is preferred; for mental visualization, use イメージ or 想像.
A vivid image came to mind from his story.
未来の街を想像してみてください。
Try to imagine the city of the future.
詩人は心象を言葉で描く。
The poet paints mental images with words.
I'm learning digital imaging techniques.