Translation guide
The English verb "depict" means to represent or show something in a picture, story, or description. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the medium (visual, verbal, or symbolic) and the nuance (objective description vs. vivid portrayal).
To show someone or something in a picture, painting, photograph, or other visual medium.
The most common verb for drawing, painting, or depicting visually. Can be used for both physical and mental images.
この絵は富士山を描いています。
This picture depicts Mt. Fuji.
彼は戦争の悲惨さを絵に描いた。
He depicted the horrors of war in a painting.
More formal and often used for detailed or realistic depiction in art, literature, or film. Emphasizes descriptive accuracy.
その絵画は田園風景を細かく描写している。
The painting depicts a rural landscape in detail.
Means 'to express' or 'to represent'. Used when a visual work symbolizes or conveys an abstract idea.
この彫刻は平和を表している。
This sculpture depicts peace.
To describe someone or something in words, especially in a vivid or detailed way.
The standard verb for depicting through words. Used in literature, journalism, and everyday description.
小説は19世紀のロンドンを生き生きと描写している。
The novel vividly depicts 19th-century London.
記事は事故の状況を詳しく描写した。
The article depicted the circumstances of the accident in detail.
Also used for verbal depiction, often with a literary or imaginative nuance. Similar to 'portray' in English.
Means 'to express'. Used when the focus is on conveying emotions or abstract concepts through description.
彼の詩は深い悲しみを表現している。
His poem depicts deep sorrow.
To show something using symbols, charts, or diagrams.
General verb for showing or indicating. Commonly used for graphs, maps, and diagrams.
このグラフは売上の推移を示している。
This graph depicts the sales trend.
地図は避難経路を示している。
The map depicts the evacuation route.
Similar to 示す, but often used when symbols represent something abstract.
To represent a character or scene in a movie, play, or other performance.
Specifically for an actor depicting a character.
彼は映画で勇敢な兵士を演じた。
He depicted a brave soldier in the movie.
Used for the overall depiction of a scene or character by the director or production.
描く (えがく) is broader and can be used for both visual and verbal depiction, often with a creative or imaginative nuance. 描写する (びょうしゃする) is more formal and emphasizes detailed, accurate description, commonly used in literary criticism or technical contexts.
描写する can sound stiff in everyday conversation. For casual talk about what a picture shows, 描く or even simple phrases like ～が描いてある (～がえがいてある) are more natural.
The author depicted an ideal society.
この記号は危険を表す。
This symbol depicts danger.
The drama movingly depicts family bonds.