Translation guide
The English word 'painting' can refer to the act of creating a picture with paint, or to the finished artwork itself. Japanese distinguishes these carefully, and also has specific words for different painting styles and contexts.
Referring to the process or activity of applying paint to create an image.
The most general way to express the act of painting a picture. Literally 'the act of drawing a picture', but covers painting as well.
彼女の趣味は絵を描くことです。
Her hobby is painting.
Refers to the act of painting as an artistic pursuit, often used in contexts like 'I like painting' or 'painting is fun'. Can also mean 'painter'.
絵描きが好きで、毎日描いています。
I love painting and do it every day.
Specifically the act of oil painting.
油絵を描くことは時間がかかります。
Oil painting takes time.
Referring to the finished product: a picture made with paint.
The most common word for a picture or painting. Covers drawings and paintings alike.
壁に美しい絵がかかっています。
There is a beautiful painting on the wall.
A more formal term for a painting as a work of art, often used in galleries or art criticism.
Specifically an oil painting.
Traditional Japanese-style painting.
Watercolor painting.
Referring to painting in the abstract, as an art form or discipline.
Used for the art of painting in general, as in 'the history of painting'.
絵画の歴史について学んでいます。
I'm studying the history of painting.
絵 (え) is the everyday word for any picture, including drawings and paintings. 絵画 (かいが) is more formal and specifically refers to paintings as fine art. Use 絵 in casual conversation, and 絵画 when discussing art seriously.
子供が絵を描いた。
The child drew a picture.
この絵画は高価です。
This painting is expensive.
ペインティング is a loanword used mainly in art jargon or specific phrases like 'アクションペインティング' (action painting). For normal contexts, use 絵 or 絵画.
週末に絵を描くのが楽しみです。
I enjoy painting on weekends.
あの絵画は傑作です。
That painting is a masterpiece.
This painting is from the 19th century.
彼は油絵を何枚も描いた。
He painted many oil paintings.
I went to an exhibition of Japanese paintings.
Watercolor paintings have a beautiful transparency.
Loanword from English, used in modern art contexts or as a technique name.
彼のペインティングは独創的だ。
His painting is original.