イラスト
irasuto[iɾa̠sɨ̥to̞]
The English phrase "illustration" is translated into Japanese as イラスト (irasuto).
The term イラスト is a loanword used to refer to an illustration. It is often used within the Japanese manga and anime community.
What does it mean word for word?
The word イラスト is a shortened version of the English loanword "illustration".
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is [irasuto].
Did you know?
- The word 擬人化 (gijinka) refers to a popular genre of イラスト where non-human objects or animals are drawn as humans.
- A 'character illustration' is often referred to as an 立ち絵 (tachie), which specifically describes a full-body drawing of a character standing, commonly used in visual novels.
- Japanese artists often use the term 落書き (rakugaki) to describe a quick or rough イラスト, which literally translates to 'scribbling' or 'graffiti'.
Examples in context
- このイラストは、トムが描いたんだ。This illustration was done by Tom.This sentence is useful for identifying who created the イラスト.Tatoeba #10723699 by small_snow, translation #10768140 by end
- 好きなイラストはありますかDo you have a favorite illustration?
- 私はイラストレーターですI am an illustrator.
- このイラストはとても可愛いです。Kono irasuto wa totemo kawaii desu.This illustration is very cute.
- 新しいイラストを書いています。Atarashii irasuto o kaite imasu.I am drawing a new illustration.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a digital tablet in a cafe.
- 健太 Kentaこのイラスト、美咲が描いたの？Kono irasuto, Misaki ga kaita no?Did you draw this illustration, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、昨日描いたんだ。Un, kinou kaita nda.Yes, I drew it yesterday.
- 健太 Kentaすごいね、センスがいいよ。Sugoi ne, sensu ga ii yo.That's amazing, you have great taste.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、嬉しいな。Arigatou, ureshii na.Thank you, that makes me happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry イラスト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
