Translation guide
The English word "figure" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Referring to a numerical value, statistic, or quantity.
The most common and general word for a numerical figure, digit, or number.
この数字は何を表していますか？
What does this figure represent?
売上高の数字を確認してください。
Please check the sales figures.
Often used in technical or statistical contexts for a numerical value or data point.
Specifically refers to an amount of money. Use only for financial figures.
その額は予算を超えています。
That figure exceeds the budget.
Referring to the shape or form of a person's body, especially in terms of attractiveness or physique.
Referring to a drawing, diagram, or geometric shape in a book or document.
The standard word for a figure, diagram, or illustration in a document or book.
Referring to a well-known or important person.
Used as a verb meaning to think, consider, or come to a conclusion.
The most common verb for 'to think'. Can be used in many contexts where 'figure' means to suppose or reckon.
Used as a verb meaning to appear in a story, list, or event.
Means 'to appear' or 'to make an appearance', often used for characters in a story or people at an event.
彼は小説に登場する。
He figures in the novel.
Referring to a rhetorical device or expression.
The general term for a figure of speech, metaphor, or simile.
The English word 'figure' can be a noun or verb with many meanings. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all uses. Always identify the specific meaning first.
フィギュア
This usually means a figurine or action figure, not a diagram or number.
数字 (suuji) is the general word for a numerical figure. 数値 (suuchi) is more technical, used for data points. 額 (gaku) is specifically an amount of money.
体型 (taikei) is the neutral word for body shape. スタイル (sutairu) is a loanword often used to praise someone's figure, but it does not mean 'fashion style'.
Is this figure accurate?
Refers to body shape or figure, often used when talking about physique or body type.
彼女はスリムな体型をしている。
She has a slim figure.
運動して体型を維持しています。
I exercise to maintain my figure.
A loanword from English, often used to describe a person's figure, especially in terms of fashion and attractiveness. Note: it does not mean 'style' in the sense of fashion sense.
Does not mean 'style' as in fashion sense. Use センス or ファッション for that.
彼女はスタイルがいい。
She has a good figure.
Refers to one's appearance or figure, often used in more literary or formal contexts, or when talking about seeing someone's figure from a distance.
彼の姿が見えた。
I saw his figure.
Please refer to Figure 1.
この図はシステムの構造を示しています。
This figure shows the structure of the system.
Refers to a geometric figure or shape.
この図形の面積を求めなさい。
Find the area of this figure.
Refers to an illustration, often artistic rather than technical. Use for figures in a more casual or decorative context.
このイラストは子供向けです。
This figure is for children.
A general term for a person, often used for a figure in history, politics, or a story.
彼は歴史上の重要な人物だ。
He is an important historical figure.
Specifically means a famous person or celebrity. Use when 'figure' implies fame.
彼はテレビでよく見る有名人だ。
He is a public figure often seen on TV.
A big shot or important figure, often in politics, business, or crime. Has a nuance of power and influence.
彼は政界の大物だ。
He is a big figure in the political world.
Means 'to think' or 'to consider', often implying a more deliberate thought process than 思う.
よく考えたら、彼の言う通りだ。
Come to figure it, he's right.
A pattern meaning 'I figure that...' or 'I guess that...'. Adds a nuance of speculation.
明日は雨だろうと思う。
I figure it will rain tomorrow.
Means 'to be listed' or 'to appear' in a publication, list, or record.
彼の名前がリストに載っている。
His name figures on the list.
それは単なる比喩です。
That's just a figure of speech.
Refers to rhetoric or a rhetorical figure. More technical and less common in everyday speech.
この詩には多くの修辞が使われている。
This poem uses many figures of speech.