Translation guide
A print made from carved wooden blocks, especially in the context of Japanese ukiyo-e art. The most common and natural way to refer to this in Japanese is 木版画 (mokuhanga), but other terms exist depending on context.
woodblock print (general)
Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print
Often what is meant by 'woodblock print' in English contexts.
To refer to a print made using the woodblock technique, whether as an art form or a physical object.
The standard, neutral term for a woodblock print. It can refer to both the technique and the resulting artwork. Suitable for most contexts.
This woodblock print is from the Edo period.
A broader term meaning 'print' (as in printmaking). It can refer to woodblock prints, but also to etchings, lithographs, etc. Use when the context already makes the woodblock medium clear, or when speaking generally about prints.
To refer specifically to the traditional Japanese multicolored woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e, often depicting scenes of the floating world.
To refer to a single sheet or piece of woodblock print art, often in the context of collecting or displaying.
To refer to the method or craft of printing from woodblocks.
木版画 (mokuhanga) is the general term for any woodblock print, while 浮世絵 (ukiyo-e) refers specifically to the genre of Japanese art from the Edo period. If you are talking about Hokusai or Hiroshige, 浮世絵 is more precise and natural. If you are talking about a modern artist's woodblock print, use 木版画.
I bought a woodblock print at the museum shop.
I'm learning the technique of woodblock printing.
この版画は木版ですか？
Is this print a woodblock print?
The iconic Japanese woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period. While technically 'pictures of the floating world', in English contexts this is often what is meant by 'woodblock print'. Use this when referring to the famous Japanese art genre.
I love Hokusai's woodblock prints.
This ukiyo-e print is very valuable.
A more precise term combining 'ukiyo-e' and 'print', explicitly stating it's a woodblock print within the ukiyo-e genre. Useful in art historical contexts.
We are exhibiting a collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
As above, 木版画 works perfectly for the physical object.
I hung a woodblock print on the wall.
Means 'print artwork' and can be used for a woodblock print when emphasizing it as an art piece.
This print artwork was made with woodblocks.
I participated in a woodblock printing technique workshop.
Means 'woodblock printing' and emphasizes the printing process rather than the artistic result. Can be used for both art and text printing.
Woodblock printing was invented in China.
Modern woodblock prints are also interesting.
Ukiyo-e is popular overseas.
版画 (hanga) means 'print' in the artistic sense. It's fine to use it when the context is clear, but if you want to be specific about the woodblock medium, say 木版画. In museums or galleries, you'll often see 木版画 on labels.
これは北斎の有名な浮世絵です。
This is a famous woodblock print by Hokusai.