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.
トイレのピクトグラムは国際的に共通している。
Restroom pictograms are internationally common.
非常口のピクトグラムは緑色だ。
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.
この絵記号は何を表していますか？
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.
メッセージに絵文字を入れると、気持ちが伝わりやすい。
Adding emoji to a message makes it easier to convey feelings.
この絵文字は笑っている顔だ。
This emoji is a laughing face.
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.
漢字は象形文字から発展した。
Kanji developed from pictograms.
エジプトの象形文字はヒエログリフと呼ばれる。
Egyptian pictograms are called hieroglyphs.
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.
A common term for a pictograph chart in statistics or education. Combines 'picture' and 'graph'.
この絵グラフでは、リンゴ一つが10個を表している。
In this pictogram, one apple represents ten 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.
トイレのピクトグラム
restroom pictogram (sign)
スマホの絵文字
smartphone emoji
甲骨文字は象形文字の一種だ。
Oracle bone script is a type of pictogram.
Sometimes used for emoji-like symbols in a design context, but 絵文字 is more natural for digital messaging.
このアプリのピクトグラムは分かりやすい。
The pictograms in this app are easy to understand.
Ancient pictograms were a means of communication.
Also used in statistical contexts, especially in design or academic fields.
統計のピクトグラムはデータを視覚的に示す。
Statistical pictograms visually represent data.