彫刻
chōkoku[t͡ɕo̞ːko̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase sculpture is translated into Japanese as 彫刻 (chōkoku).
The term 彫刻 is used to represent the art of sculpture itself as well as the specific physical objects created through the sculptor's creative endeavor.
Meaning: work of art created by sculpting (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
chōkoku
Did you know?
- In Japan, the term 彫刻 is often used to describe the precise carving of a seal or stamp, which is a highly specialized art form called tenkoku.
- In Buddhist contexts, sculptures of the Buddha are often referred to as butsuzō, a term that implies a sacred image rather than a mere 彫刻.
- In many Japanese museums, a large-scale public sculpture might be referred to as オブジェ ('objet'), a loanword from French.
Examples in context
- 街では毎年、氷彫刻の祭典が開催されます。The city holds an ice sculpture festival each year.This sentence is useful for seeing how to refer to an ice sculpture using 彫刻.Tatoeba #12700656 by small_snow, translation #8554900 by Hybrid
- 彼は美しい彫刻を作りました。He created a beautiful sculpture.
- この彫刻は芸術的な価値があります。This sculpture has artistic value.
- この彫刻像はとても印象的ですね。This sculpture is very impressive, isn't it?
- その彫刻像は有名な彫刻家によって作られました。That sculpture was made by a famous sculptor.
- この彫刻はとても精密ですね。Kono choukoku wa totemo seimitsu desu ne.This sculpture is very detailed.
- 美術館で有名な彫刻を見ました。Bijutsukan de yuumeina choukoku o mimashita.I saw a famous sculpture at the art museum.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at an artwork in a gallery.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、この彫刻はどう思う？Himari, kono choukoku wa dou omou?Himari, what do you think of this sculpture?
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、とても力強い作品だね。Hiroto, totemo chikara tsuyoi sakuhin dane.Hiroto, it is a very powerful work.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね、迫力があるよ。Sou dane, hakuryoku ga aru yo.You're right, it has a lot of impact.
- 陽葵 Himariずっと見ていられるわ。Zutto mite irareru wa.I could look at it forever.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sculpture” translations and entries 彫刻, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
