動画
dōga[do̞ːɡa̠]
The Japanese word for "video" is 動画 (dōga).
動画 is used to refer to moving images or a video clip.
Meaning: film clip (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 動画 refers to moving images or a video, use 映像 (eizō) when you are referring to "footage" or "visuals" in a more professional or cinematic context.
How do you pronounce it?
dōga
Did you know?
- In Japanese internet slang, the term 切り抜き動画 (kirinuki dōga) refers to 'clipped' videos where a fan edits a long live stream into short, viral highlights.
- Depending on the context, 動画 can refer to a GIF, as both are considered 'moving pictures' regardless of whether they have sound.
- While English uses the word 'video' for both the medium and the specific file, Japanese speakers often use the katakana word ビデオ (bideo) specifically to refer to physical cassette tapes or old-fashioned formats.
Examples in context
- この動画、大好き。I love this video.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for a specific 動画.Tatoeba #10513269 by small_snow, translation #3818798 by CK
- ゲームのプレイ動画見てた。I was watching a playthrough of a video game.This sentence is useful for describing the act of watching a video of someone playing a game.Tatoeba #11038466 by bunbuku, translation #11040219 by end
- この動画を見てほしいんだ。I want you to watch this video.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for someone else to watch a 動画.Tatoeba #11426971 by bunbuku, translation #2014331 by CK
- テレビでビデオを見ました。I watched a video on TV.
- 新しい映像技術について学んでいます。I am learning about new video technology.
- 昨晩、面白い動画を見たよ。Last night, I watched an interesting video.
- 最新の動画コンテンツを探している。I'm looking for the latest video content.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is showing Kenta a short clip on her phone.
- 美咲 Misakiこの動画、面白いよ。Kono dōga, omoshiroi yo.This video is funny.
- 健太 Kenta本当だ！どこで見つけたの？Hontō da! Doko de mitsuketa no?You're right! Where did you find it?
- 美咲 Misakiおすすめの動画に出てきたんだ。Osusume no dōga ni detekitanda.It came up in my recommended videos.
- 健太 Kentaいいセンスしてるね。Ii sensu shiteru ne.You have great taste.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “video” translations and entries 動画, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
