Translation guide
A traditional relief printing technique where an image is carved into a block of wood, inked, and pressed onto paper or fabric. In a Japanese context, this most often refers to ukiyo-e and related art forms.
Referring to the traditional Japanese art of woodblock printing, especially ukiyo-e pictures of the floating world.
General term for woodblock prints, including both Japanese and Western styles. Safe default for 'woodblock printing' as an art form.
この美術館では、江戸時代の木版画が展示されています。
Edo-period woodblock prints are exhibited at this museum.
Specifically refers to ukiyo-e, the famous genre of Japanese woodblock prints depicting landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful women, etc. Use when the context is clearly about this traditional art.
葛飾北斎の浮世絵「富嶽三十六景」は世界的に有名です。
Hokusai's ukiyo-e series 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji' is world-famous.
Literally 'woodblock printing', emphasizing the printing technique rather than the art. Used in technical or historical contexts.
木版印刷は、日本で江戸時代に広く普及しました。
Woodblock printing became widespread in Japan during the Edo period.
Describing the method, craft, or act of printing from carved wooden blocks.
Means 'the technique of woodblock printing'. Natural when discussing the process or skill.
木版印刷の技術は中国から日本に伝わりました。
The technique of woodblock printing was introduced to Japan from China.
General term for printmaking, including woodblock, etching, lithography, etc. Often used in art contexts. Specify 木版画 if woodblock is essential.
彼女は大学で版画を専攻しています。
She is majoring in printmaking at university.
Referring to one physical print made from a woodblock.
Can mean both the art form and a single print. Context clarifies.
この木版画は明治時代のものです。
This woodblock print is from the Meiji period.
A single print of any kind. Use when the woodblock aspect is clear from context.
木版画 (mokuhanga) is the broader term for any woodblock print, including modern and non-Japanese works. 浮世絵 (ukiyo-e) specifically refers to the genre of Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period. If you're talking about Hokusai or Hiroshige, 浮世絵 is more precise and natural.
浮世絵は木版画の一種です。
Ukiyo-e is a type of woodblock print.
版画 (hanga) means 'print' in the artistic sense. It can refer to woodblock, copperplate, silkscreen, etc. If the context already makes it clear you're talking about woodblock, you can use 版画, but 木版画 is safer to avoid ambiguity.
日本の木版画に興味があります。
I'm interested in Japanese woodblock printing.
江戸時代に木版印刷が栄えました。
Woodblock printing flourished in the Edo period.
A beautiful print is hanging on the wall.