Translation guide
The English word "portrait" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on whether you mean a painted/drawn likeness, a photograph, a description in words, or a page orientation.
To refer to a painted, drawn, or artistic representation of a person, especially focusing on the face.
The most direct and common term for a painted or drawn portrait. It specifically refers to a picture (画) of a person's likeness (肖像).
この肖像画は18世紀に描かれました。
This portrait was painted in the 18th century.
Refers to the likeness or image of a person, often used in formal contexts. Can be used for portraits in general, but 肖像画 is more specific for a painting.
彼の肖像が美術館に展示されている。
His portrait is displayed in the art museum.
A casual term for a portrait that emphasizes likeness, often a caricature or a quick sketch. Common for street artists or casual drawings.
観光地で似顔絵を描いてもらった。
I had my portrait drawn at a tourist spot.
To refer to a photograph of a person, especially one that focuses on the face or upper body.
The loanword from English, widely used in photography contexts. It specifically means a photographic portrait.
彼女はポートレート写真が得意だ。
She is good at portrait photography.
Literally 'person photograph', this is a more general term for photographs of people, including portraits.
この写真展では人物写真が中心です。
This photo exhibition mainly features portraits.
To refer to a detailed description of a person or character in writing or speech.
Means 'description' or 'depiction', and can be used for a verbal portrait. Often used in literary contexts.
その小説には主人公の詳しい描写がある。
The novel contains a detailed portrait of the protagonist.
Literally 'person image', this refers to the portrayal or image of a person, often used when describing someone's character or life story.
To refer to the orientation of a page, screen, or image where the height is greater than the width.
The standard term for portrait orientation. Used for documents, screens, and images.
この書類は縦向きで印刷してください。
Please print this document in portrait orientation.
The loanword is also used for orientation, especially in tech contexts (e.g., printer settings).
画面をポートレートモードに切り替える。
Switch the screen to portrait mode.
肖像画 is specifically a painted or drawn portrait, while ポートレート is primarily used for photographs. Using 肖像画 for a photo would sound odd.
この肖像画は油絵です。
This portrait is an oil painting.
ポートレートを撮影する。
Take a portrait photograph.
肖像 is a formal term often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., 肖像権 'portrait rights'). For everyday photos, use ポートレート or 写真.
伝記は彼の人物像を鮮やかに描いている。
The biography paints a vivid portrait of him.