Translation guide
A photomechanical printing process used for high-quality image reproduction, especially in fine art and photography. In Japanese, the term is typically expressed using loanwords or descriptive phrases.
フォトグラビア
photogravure (process)
Referring to the photogravure technique itself, used in art, photography, or printmaking.
The most direct loanword for 'photogravure', widely understood in artistic and technical contexts.
この写真集はフォトグラビアで印刷されています。
This photo book is printed using photogravure.
A more technical Japanese term combining 'photograph' and 'intaglio printing'. Used in formal or academic contexts.
写真凹版は高品質な複製に適しています。
Photogravure is suitable for high-quality reproductions.
Literally 'gravure printing'. Can refer to photogravure or rotogravure, so context is needed. Less common for fine art photogravure.
グラビア印刷は雑誌の写真ページによく使われます。
Gravure printing is often used for photo pages in magazines.
Referring to the physical print or artwork produced using photogravure.
Means 'photogravure work/print'. Natural way to refer to the resulting piece.
ギャラリーでフォトグラビアの作品を購入しました。
I bought a photogravure print at the gallery.
Combines 'photogravure' with 'picture/print'. More formal and specific to art.
この写真凹版画は非常に細かいディテールがあります。
This photogravure print has very fine detail.
In everyday conversation, 'photogravure' is a niche term. If you're discussing fine art printing, フォトグラビア is safe. For magazine printing, グラビア印刷 might be more common but refers to rotogravure, not necessarily the artistic photogravure process.