Translation guide
The English word "pictorial" refers to something expressed in pictures or containing pictures. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, focusing on common adjectives, nouns, and descriptive phrases.
Describing something that uses pictures to convey information, such as a book, diagram, or representation.
A common adjective meaning 'illustrated' or 'with pictures'. Used for books, articles, etc.
This is a pictorial instruction manual.
Means 'illustrated with diagrams' or 'graphic'. Often used for technical or explanatory materials.
A pictorial guide is included.
A phrase meaning 'expressed in pictures'. More descriptive than a single adjective.
It's a book that presents history in a pictorial way.
Literally 'pictorial' or 'picturesque'. Can sound formal or artistic. Less common in everyday speech.
It features pictorial expression.
Referring to a magazine, book, or record that is primarily composed of pictures.
A 'photo book' or 'photobook'. The most natural term for a publication consisting mainly of photographs.
This pictorial book collects beautiful landscapes.
A 'book of paintings' or 'art book'. Used for collections of artwork.
A 'picture book', typically for children. Can be used for any book where pictures dominate.
An 'illustrated reference book' or 'encyclopedia'. Often used for nature guides, etc.
Referring to a single image, chart, or diagram that explains something visually.
A general word for 'diagram', 'figure', or 'illustration'. Commonly used in textbooks and manuals.
Please refer to the pictorial diagram (Figure 1).
An 'illustration', often hand-drawn or digital. Very common in casual contexts.
A 'picture' or 'drawing'. Simple and widely understood.
English sometimes uses 'pictorial' as a noun (e.g., 'a pictorial of the event'). In Japanese, specify the type of publication: 写真集 (photo book), 画集 (art book), or 特集記事 (feature article with photos).
While 絵画的 is a direct translation, it sounds formal and is often used in artistic or literary contexts. For everyday use, prefer 絵入りの or イラスト入りの.
I bought a pictorial book of a famous painter.
子供向けの絵本を作っています。
I'm making a pictorial book for children.
I looked it up in a pictorial encyclopedia of animals.
説明のためにイラストを入れました。
I included a pictorial illustration for explanation.
This pictorial drawing shows the overall flow.