スケッチ
suketchi[sɨ̥ke̞t̚t͡ɕi]
The English word 'sketch' can be translated into Japanese as スケッチ (suketchi) or 素描.
Meaning: quick freehand drawing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| スケッチ | suketchi | [sɨ̥ke̞t̚t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| 素描 | sobyō |
Both terms refer to a quick freehand drawing.
Which one should you use?
素描 is a more formal, technical or academic term used in art theory and professional settings.
How do you pronounce it?
suketchi
Did you know?
- The term 素描 is read as sobō, but in a professional art school context, it is often used to describe an exhaustive study of light and shadow rather than a 'quick' drawing.
- While スケッチ is used for artistic drawings, the same word can also refer to a short, humorous sketch in a comedy show.
- If you are talking about a rough draft or a quick outline in a non-artistic context, Japanese speakers often prefer the word 下書き (shitagaki).
Examples in context
- 彼はどこでもスケッチを始める。He begins to sketch no matter where he is.This sentence demonstrates how to use the noun スケッチ.Tatoeba #111664 by mookeee, translation #292019 by CK
- 彼は美しい風景を素描しています。He is sketching a beautiful landscape.
- スケッチを描くのは好きですか？Do you like drawing sketches?
- この下絵は私の新しいアイデアです。This sketch is my new idea.
- このスケッチはとても上手ですね。Kono suketchi wa totemo jouzu desu ne.This sketch is very good, isn't it?
- ノートの端に小さなスケッチを描いた。Nooto no hashi ni chiisana suketchi o kaita.I drew a small sketch on the edge of my notebook.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at an art gallery.
- 健太 Kentaこのスケッチを見てください。Kono suketchi o mite kudasai.Please look at this sketch.
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、本当にきれいですね。Waa, hontou ni kirei desu ne.Wow, it's really beautiful.
- 健太 Kenta僕もスケッチを練習したいです。Boku mo suketchi o renshuu shitai desu.I want to practice sketching too.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒にやりましょう、健太さん。Issho ni yarimashou, Kenta-san.Let's do it together, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sketch” translations and entries スケッチ, 素描, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
