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'.
画像診断の結果、異常は見つかりませんでした。
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イメージング技術が進歩している。
MRI imaging technology is advancing.
Refers to an imaging examination or test. Common in clinical settings.
医師は画像検査を勧めた。
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'.
成功している自分をイメージしてください。
Visualize yourself succeeding.
彼の話から強いイメージが浮かんだ。
A vivid image came to mind from his story.
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'.
このソフトは高品質な画像生成が可能です。
This software can generate high-quality images.
Also used in tech/art contexts, e.g., digital imaging, thermal imaging. Often part of compound terms.
デジタルイメージングの技術を学んでいます。
I'm learning digital imaging techniques.
Refers to visualizing something as a video or film, or turning an idea into a visual medium.
小説の映像化が決まった。
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).
衛星イメージングで地球の変化を観測する。
We observe changes on Earth through satellite imaging.
Means 'to convert into an image' or 'imaging' as a process. Used in scientific contexts.
データを画像化して分析する。
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.
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.