Translation guide
A small image used as a preview or reduced-size version of a larger image, especially in digital contexts.
A small image representing a larger image, video, or file, commonly used on websites, in file managers, and in media players.
A small, rough drawing or a brief written outline, often used in planning or brainstorming.
Direct loan translation used in design and art contexts for a small rough sketch.
会議の前にサムネイルスケッチを描いてアイデアをまとめた。
Before the meeting, I drew thumbnail sketches to organize my ideas.
A concise description or outline of something, like a thumbnail sketch in words.
サムネイル is the default in everyday digital contexts (websites, apps, casual conversation). 縮小画像 is more formal and often used in technical documentation or when emphasizing the reduction process.
ウェブサイトのサムネイルが読み込まれない。
The website thumbnails aren't loading.
本システムでは縮小画像を自動生成します。
This system automatically generates thumbnail images.
The most common and direct loanword from English. Used in almost all digital contexts.
このフォルダには画像のサムネイルが表示されます。
Thumbnails of the images are displayed in this folder.
動画のサムネイルをクリックしてください。
Please click the video thumbnail.
A more descriptive Japanese term meaning 'reduced image'. Used in technical or formal contexts.
縮小画像を生成するプログラムを作成しました。
I created a program that generates thumbnail images.
Abbreviated casual form of サムネイル, common in informal speech among tech-savvy people.
このサムネ、ちょっと見づらいね。
This thumbnail is a bit hard to see, isn't it?
Means 'simple rough sketch'. More natural in general Japanese than the loanword.
構図を決めるために簡単な下絵を何枚か描きます。
I draw several simple rough sketches to decide the composition.
Literally 'small rough drawing'. Used in manga/anime production.
まず小さなラフ画で全体の流れを確認します。
First, we check the overall flow with small rough drawings.
Standard word for 'outline' or 'summary'. Not a direct translation of 'thumbnail' but conveys the idea of a brief overview.
プロジェクトの概要を簡単に説明してください。
Please give a brief thumbnail sketch of the project.
Means 'simple summary'. More casual than 概要.
この章の簡単なまとめを教えて。
Give me a thumbnail summary of this chapter.