Translation guide
A triptych is a set of three panels, often hinged together, used in art or religious contexts. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 三幅対 (さんぷくつい), referring to a set of three hanging scrolls or paintings. For Western art, トリプティック is also used. This guide covers how to refer to triptychs in various contexts.
Referring to a triptych as a work of art, especially in traditional Japanese or East Asian contexts.
Standard term for a set of three hanging scrolls or paintings, often with a central piece and two side pieces. Used in traditional Japanese art.
この三幅対は鎌倉時代のものです。
This triptych is from the Kamakura period.
Loanword from English, used for Western-style triptychs, especially in modern art contexts.
そのトリプティックは現代アートの展覧会で展示されました。
The triptych was displayed at a contemporary art exhibition.
Literally 'three-linked picture', a less common term that can refer to a triptych in a general sense, but may not be widely recognized.
この三連画は祭壇の後ろに飾られています。
This triptych is displayed behind the altar.
Referring to a triptych used as a religious altarpiece, typically in Christian contexts.
Specific term for a triptych altarpiece, combining 'three-linked' and 'altarpiece'.
教会の三連祭壇画は聖書の場面を描いています。
The church's triptych altarpiece depicts scenes from the Bible.
Also used for religious triptychs, especially in art history contexts.
このトリプティックは15世紀のフランドル派の作品です。
This triptych is a 15th-century Flemish work.
Referring to a triptych in photography, film, or digital media, where three images are presented together.
Commonly used in photography and modern art for a set of three related images.
彼の写真のトリプティックは自然の美しさを表現しています。
His photographic triptych expresses the beauty of nature.
Means 'trilogy', often used for a set of three related works in literature, film, or art. Can be applied to a triptych if it tells a story.
この三部作の絵画は一つの物語を語っています。
This triptych of paintings tells a single story.
三幅対 is specifically for traditional East Asian hanging scrolls or paintings, while トリプティック is a loanword used for Western or modern triptychs. In casual conversation, トリプティック may be more widely understood among younger people or in art circles.
日本では三幅対がよく見られますが、西洋美術ではトリプティックが一般的です。
In Japan, sanpukutsui are often seen, but in Western art, triptychs are common.
If the exact term is not known, you can describe it as 三枚の絵がつながった作品 (a work of three connected pictures) or 三枚組の絵 (a set of three pictures).
これは三枚の絵がつながった作品です。
This is a work consisting of three connected pictures.
その美術館にはボスの有名なトリプティックがあります。
The museum has a famous triptych by Bosch.
彼女は浮世絵の三幅対を買いました。
She bought a triptych of ukiyo-e prints.