Translation guide
The English word "image" covers a wide range of meanings, from visual representations to mental impressions and public reputation. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
A physical or digital picture, photograph, illustration, or graphic.
The most common and general word for a digital or printed image, picture, or graphic. Used for photos, illustrations, and computer graphics.
この画像はとてもきれいですね。
This image is very beautiful, isn't it?
画像をクリックしてください。
Please click the image.
Specifically a photograph. Use when the image is a photo.
旅行の写真を見せてください。
Please show me the photos from your trip.
A drawing, painting, or illustration. Use for hand-drawn or painted images.
子供が描いた絵を壁に貼った。
I put up the picture my child drew on the wall.
Loanword from English. Can refer to a visual image, but more often used for mental images or brand image. For a concrete picture, 画像 is preferred.
このイメージをポスターに使えますか？
Can we use this image for the poster?
A picture in your mind, an idea or concept of something.
The most natural word for a mental image, impression, or concept. Widely used in everyday Japanese.
彼のことはあまりいいイメージがない。
I don't have a very good image of him.
この色からは夏のイメージを受ける。
This color gives an image of summer.
Impression, especially the feeling or effect something leaves on you. Often used for first impressions or overall feel.
Mental image, often used in literary or psychological contexts. More formal and less common in daily speech.
How a person, company, or product is perceived by the public.
Used for brand image, public image, or the way someone is seen by others. Very common.
その会社はイメージアップに努めている。
The company is trying to improve its image.
彼はイメージが悪い。
He has a bad image.
Reputation, what people say about someone or something. Focuses more on public opinion and rumors.
Rumor, hearsay, often used in the context of reputational damage (風評被害).
A copy or exact likeness of someone or something.
Spitting image, exact likeness. Used for people who look exactly like someone else.
彼は父親の生き写しだ。
He is the spitting image of his father.
Mirror image, a reflected image. Used in technical or literal contexts.
Shadow, silhouette, or reflection. Can be used poetically for an image or trace of something.
水面に映った月の影。
The reflection of the moon on the water's surface.
A person or thing that represents an idea or quality.
A word or phrase used in a non-literal way to create a vivid mental picture.
Metaphor, simile, figure of speech. General term for figurative language.
詩には多くの比喩が使われている。
Many images are used in the poem.
Imagery, figure, shape. Used in literary criticism for the use of vivid or figurative language.
画像 is the broadest term for any kind of picture, including digital images. 写真 specifically means a photograph. 絵 refers to a drawing or painting. Use 画像 when the type of image is unclear or mixed.
While イメージ can mean a visual image, it is more natural to use 画像 for a concrete picture file or printed image. イメージ is best for mental images, impressions, or brand image.
第一印象はとても大切だ。
First impressions are very important.
彼は優しい印象を与える。
He gives a gentle impression.
その詩は鮮明な心象を描き出す。
The poem evokes vivid mental images.
あのレストランは評判がいい。
That restaurant has a good reputation.
風評被害を防ぐための対策が必要だ。
Measures to prevent reputational damage are necessary.
A mirror image is reversed left and right.
この小説は形象が豊かだ。
This novel is rich in imagery.