Translation guide
A print made from carved wooden blocks, especially in the context of Japanese ukiyo-e art. The most common and natural way to refer to this in Japanese is 木版画 (mokuhanga), but other terms exist depending on context.
To refer to a print made using the woodblock technique, whether as an art form or a physical object.
The standard, neutral term for a woodblock print. It can refer to both the technique and the resulting artwork. Suitable for most contexts.
この木版画は江戸時代のものです。
This woodblock print is from the Edo period.
木版画の技法を学んでいます。
I'm learning the technique of woodblock printing.
A broader term meaning 'print' (as in printmaking). It can refer to woodblock prints, but also to etchings, lithographs, etc. Use when the context already makes the woodblock medium clear, or when speaking generally about prints.
この版画は木版ですか？
Is this print a woodblock print?
To refer specifically to the traditional Japanese multicolored woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e, often depicting scenes of the floating world.
The iconic Japanese woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period. While technically 'pictures of the floating world', in English contexts this is often what is meant by 'woodblock print'. Use this when referring to the famous Japanese art genre.
北斎の浮世絵が大好きです。
I love Hokusai's woodblock prints.
この浮世絵はとても貴重です。
This ukiyo-e print is very valuable.
A more precise term combining 'ukiyo-e' and 'print', explicitly stating it's a woodblock print within the ukiyo-e genre. Useful in art historical contexts.
浮世絵版画のコレクションを展示しています。
We are exhibiting a collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
To refer to a single sheet or piece of woodblock print art, often in the context of collecting or displaying.
As above, 木版画 works perfectly for the physical object.
壁に木版画を飾りました。
I hung a woodblock print on the wall.
Means 'print artwork' and can be used for a woodblock print when emphasizing it as an art piece.
この版画作品は木版で作られました。
This print artwork was made with woodblocks.
To refer to the method or craft of printing from woodblocks.
Literally 'woodblock print technique'. Use when discussing the technical aspects of creating woodblock prints.
木版画技法のワークショップに参加しました。
I participated in a woodblock printing technique workshop.
Means 'woodblock printing' and emphasizes the printing process rather than the artistic result. Can be used for both art and text printing.
木版印刷は中国で発明されました。
Woodblock printing was invented in China.
木版画 (mokuhanga) is the general term for any woodblock print, while 浮世絵 (ukiyo-e) refers specifically to the genre of Japanese art from the Edo period. If you are talking about Hokusai or Hiroshige, 浮世絵 is more precise and natural. If you are talking about a modern artist's woodblock print, use 木版画.
現代の木版画も面白いです。
Modern woodblock prints are also interesting.
浮世絵は海外で人気があります。
Ukiyo-e is popular overseas.
版画 (hanga) means 'print' in the artistic sense. It's fine to use it when the context is clear, but if you want to be specific about the woodblock medium, say 木版画. In museums or galleries, you'll often see 木版画 on labels.
美術館の売店で木版画を買いました。
I bought a woodblock print at the museum shop.
これは北斎の有名な浮世絵です。
This is a famous woodblock print by Hokusai.