芸術
geijutsu[ɡe̞ːʑɨt͡sɨ]
The English word 'art' is translated into Japanese as 芸術 (geijutsu).
芸術 refers to the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in visual or auditory forms. It is used when discussing art as a high-culture concept or an academic discipline. Other related terms include 絵画 for painting or a picture, and 彫刻 for sculpture.
Which one should you use?
While 芸術 refers to art as a broad, high-culture concept, the loanword アート is used in a more modern, casual or stylistic sense, often referring to specific contemporary art pieces or pop art. Additionally, 美術 is a common term that focuses more specifically on visual arts.
How do you pronounce it?
geijutsu
Did you know?
- The term 芸術 is rooted in the 'Six Arts' of ancient China, which included not only painting and music but also archery, charioteering, calligraphy and mathematics.
- While 芸術 refers to high art, the word 道 meaning 'way' is used for traditional arts like 茶道 for tea or 書道 for calligraphy to emphasize a lifelong spiritual path.
- Traditional Japanese aesthetics often value 侘寂 (wabi-sabi), the art of finding beauty in imperfection, which contrasts with the Western 'fine art' ideal of technical perfection.
Examples in context
- これは芸術なの？Is this art?This is useful for asking if something qualifies as art.Tatoeba #8691397 by bunbuku, translation #1857913 by CK
- トムは芸術には全く関心がない。Tom isn't interested in art at all.This is useful for expressing a lack of interest in the subject of art.Tatoeba #2853028 by tommy_san, translation #2853101 by CK
- 芸術は贅沢品ではない、必需品だ。Art is not a luxury, but a necessity.This is useful for stating that art is a necessity rather than a luxury.Tatoeba #176029 by KK_kaku_, translation #238436 by CM
- 美しい芸術は魂を揺さぶり、心を豊かにします。Beautiful art shakes the soul and enriches the heart.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
陽葵 and 健太 are visiting a modern art museum.
- 陽葵 Himariこの芸術作品は本当に素晴らしいね。Kono geijutsu sakuhin wa hontō ni subarashii ne.This work of art is truly wonderful, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaうん、表現がとても独特だ。Un, hyōgen ga totemo dokutoku da.Yeah, the expression is very unique.
- 陽葵 Himari健太は芸術に詳しいの？Kenta wa geijutsu ni kuwashii no?Kenta, are you knowledgeable about art?
- 健太 Kentaいや、少しだけ興味がある程度だよ。Iya, sukoshi dake kyōmi ga aru teido dayo.No, I'm just somewhat interested.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 芸術, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 芸術, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
