Translation guide
The term 'mirror image' refers to a reversed or identical copy of something, as if reflected in a mirror. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns and descriptive phrases, depending on whether you mean a literal reflection, a symmetrical counterpart, or a figurative duplicate.
Describing an image or object as seen in a mirror, where left and right are reversed.
The most direct and technical term for a mirror image, used in physics, optics, and formal contexts.
鏡に映った鏡像は左右が逆になる。
A mirror image is reversed left to right.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'image reflected in a mirror', suitable for everyday conversation.
湖面に映った山の鏡に映った像が美しい。
The mirror image of the mountain reflected on the lake surface is beautiful.
Literally 'mirror copy', used to describe something that is an exact mirror-like duplicate, often in artistic or descriptive contexts.
左右対称のデザインは鏡写しのようだ。
The symmetrical design is like a mirror image.
Referring to something that is very similar or identical to another thing, often in a reversed or complementary way.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'exactly as is' or 'just like', used to emphasize that something is a perfect copy or mirror image.
彼の性格は父親そっくりそのままだ。
His personality is a mirror image of his father's.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'as alike as two peas in a pod', often used for people who look exactly alike.
双子の姉妹は瓜二つだ。
The twin sisters are mirror images of each other.
Means 'living copy' or 'spitting image', used to describe someone who looks exactly like another person.
Describing a layout, pattern, or structure where one side is the reverse of the other.
Means 'bilateral symmetry', used when two sides are mirror images of each other.
この建物は左右対称のデザインだ。
This building has a mirror-image design.
Specifically 'line symmetry' or 'reflection symmetry', used in geometry and design.
While 鏡像 (kyōzō) is the direct translation, it sounds technical. For everyday comparisons, use phrases like そっくりそのまま or 瓜二つ.
彼は父親の鏡像だ。
He is a mirror image of his father. (unnatural)
彼は父親そっくりそのままだ。
He is a mirror image of his father. (natural)
二つの署名はそっくりそのままだった。
The two signatures were mirror images.
左右は鏡像のようになっている。
The left and right sides are mirror images.
彼は祖父の生き写しだ。
He is the mirror image of his grandfather.
蝶の羽は線対称になっている。
A butterfly's wings are mirror images.