Translation guide
A pictogram is a simple picture representing a word, idea, or instruction. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ピクトグラム, a loanword from English. Other terms like 絵文字 (emoji) and 象形文字 (ancient pictographic characters) are used in specific contexts.
A simple graphic symbol used in signs, maps, or interfaces to convey information without words, such as restroom signs or Olympic sport icons.
The standard loanword for modern pictograms used in public signage, wayfinding, and information design. Widely understood.
Restroom pictograms are internationally common.
The emergency exit pictogram is green.
A native Japanese compound meaning 'picture symbol'. Used in technical or design contexts, but less common than ピクトグラム.
What does this pictogram represent?
A small digital image or icon used in electronic messages to express an idea or emotion, such as emoji or stickers.
The Japanese word for 'emoji', which originated in Japan. Refers to pictographic characters used in digital communication. Note that 'emoji' in English is a broader category, but 絵文字 specifically means pictographic characters.
Adding emoji to a message makes it easier to convey feelings.
Sometimes used for emoji-like symbols in a design context, but 絵文字 is more natural for digital messaging.
A character in an ancient writing system that represents a word or idea through a simplified picture, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs or Chinese oracle bone script.
Literally 'shape-representing character'. Used for ancient pictographic scripts, especially in the context of Chinese characters (kanji) origins. Also used for hieroglyphs.
Kanji developed from pictograms.
Can refer to ancient pictograms in a general sense, but 象形文字 is more precise for historical writing systems.
A chart that uses icons to represent data, where each icon stands for a certain number of items.
ピクトグラム is the safest choice for modern public symbols (toilet signs, Olympic sports). 絵文字 is best for digital emoji and stickers. 象形文字 is reserved for ancient writing systems like hieroglyphs or oracle bone script. Using 絵文字 for a restroom sign would sound like you're talking about a smartphone emoji.
restroom pictogram (sign)
smartphone emoji
Oracle bone script is a type of pictogram.
この絵文字は笑っている顔だ。
This emoji is a laughing face.
The pictograms in this app are easy to understand.
Egyptian pictograms are called hieroglyphs.
古代の絵文字はコミュニケーションの手段だった。
Ancient pictograms were a means of communication.
Statistical pictograms visually represent data.