Translation guide
A caricature is a drawing or description that exaggerates features for comic or critical effect. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific art terms, descriptive phrases, and metaphorical expressions.
To refer to a humorous or satirical drawing that exaggerates a person's features.
The most common word for a portrait or likeness, often with a humorous or exaggerated touch. It can range from a simple sketch to a full caricature.
彼は私の似顔絵を描いてくれた。
He drew a caricature of me.
The direct loanword from English, used in artistic or journalistic contexts. It specifically means a caricature in the Western sense.
新聞に政治家のカリカチュアが載っていた。
There was a caricature of a politician in the newspaper.
A traditional Japanese term for humorous or satirical pictures, often with exaggerated features. It has a historical or artistic nuance.
この戯画は江戸時代のものです。
This caricature is from the Edo period.
To describe a written or spoken portrayal that exaggerates characteristics for comic or critical effect.
A general phrase meaning 'exaggerated depiction'. It can be used for both visual and verbal caricatures.
その小説は彼の性格を誇張した描写で描いている。
The novel portrays his character with exaggerated description, like a caricature.
Literally 'turning into a caricature', used when something is represented in an exaggerated, humorous way. Often used in critical contexts.
メディアはしばしば政治家を戯画化する。
The media often caricatures politicians.
Means 'satire' or 'satirical writing'. While not a direct translation of 'caricature', it is closely related when the exaggeration serves a critical purpose.
To say that someone or something is a poor imitation or an absurdly exaggerated version of something else.
A pattern meaning 'a caricature of ~'. It implies that something has become an exaggerated, often ridiculous version of itself.
彼の行動はまさにアメリカ人の戯画化だ。
His behavior is a caricature of an American.
Means 'a parody of ~'. Often used when the exaggeration is intentional and humorous, but can also imply a poor imitation.
その映画はスパイ映画のパロディーだ。
The movie is a caricature of spy films.
似顔絵 (にがおえ) is the everyday word for a portrait that captures a person's likeness, often with a cute or humorous touch. カリカチュア is a specific art term for a Western-style caricature with strong exaggeration and satire. Use 似顔絵 for casual contexts and カリカチュア for artistic or critical discussions.
観光地で似顔絵を描いてもらった。
I had my caricature drawn at a tourist spot.
彼のカリカチュアは風刺が効いている。
His caricature is sharply satirical.
Do not use カリカチュア for everyday portraits or casual sketches. It sounds overly technical. For a simple exaggerated drawing, 似顔絵 is more natural. For verbal exaggeration, use phrases like 誇張した描写 rather than trying to force a single noun.
彼は先生の似顔絵を描いた。
He drew a caricature of the teacher.
その記事は真実を戯画化したものだった。
The article was a caricature of the truth.
This work is a caricature of society.