A portrait is a visual representation of a person, often serving as a historical record or a sentimental tribute.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A painting or photograph representing a specific person.
- Often used to commemorate historical figures or family members.
- Differs from casual caricatures by having a more formal tone.
使用パターン
「肖像画を描く」「肖像画を飾る」「肖像画を展示する」といった動詞と共に使われることが一般的です。また、特定の人物をモデルにしているという性質上、歴史上の偉人や家族の記念写真に関連して言及されることが多い言葉です。
一般的な文脈
美術館や博物館で歴史的な人物の肖像画を見るという文脈や、記念日や贈り物として似顔絵や肖像画を描いてもらうという日常的な文脈で使用されます。また、映画や小説の中で、古い屋敷に飾られた「動く肖像画」といったファンタジー的な表現として登場することもあります。
類似語との比較
「似顔絵（にがおえ）」は、特徴を強調した親しみやすい絵を指すことが多く、娯楽的な要素が強いです。一方、「肖像画」はより格式高く、記録や記念、芸術的な価値を重視する場合に使われるという違いがあります。
Examples
リビングに祖父の肖像画を飾っている。
everydayI have a portrait of my grandfather displayed in the living room.
美術館で有名な王の肖像画を見た。
formalI saw a portrait of a famous king at the art museum.
これは私の肖像画だよ。
informalThis is a portrait of me.
ルネサンス期の肖像画には独特の技法が見られる。
academicUnique techniques can be observed in Renaissance portraits.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
肖像権
portrait rights
肖像画のモデル
portrait model
歴史的な肖像画
historical portrait
Often Confused With
A caricature or sketch that emphasizes facial features for fun, whereas a portrait is more formal and realistic.
A self-portrait; specifically a portrait of the artist themselves.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal or artistic contexts. While it can be used for family photos, it implies a certain level of seriousness or respect. It is rarely used to describe casual snapshots taken with a smartphone.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '肖像画' for any picture of a person, but it specifically refers to art or formal photography. Do not use it for a casual selfie or a candid photo in a social media post.
Tips
Focus on the Kanji meaning
The kanji '肖' means to resemble, and '像' means image. Combining them creates the literal meaning of an 'image that resembles a person'.
Don't confuse with caricature
While both depict people, '肖像画' is usually respectful or formal. Avoid using it if the drawing is meant to be a funny cartoon.
Historical importance in Japan
In Japanese history, portraits of monks and samurai were highly valued. These are often called '肖像画' or '御影' (miei) in a religious context.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Japanese roots. '肖' refers to resemblance, and '像' refers to a figure or statue, historically used to describe traditional paintings of ancestors or nobility.
Cultural Context
In Japan, portraits of emperors or founders are treated with great reverence. In modern times, it is common to have portraits taken for professional or memorial purposes.
Memory Tip
Think of '肖' (resemble) and '像' (image). If you see a painting that 'resembles' the person perfectly, it's a '肖像画'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsはい、広義には人物を写した写真も肖像画（ポートレート）に含まれます。ただし、一般的には絵画作品を指すことが多いです。
肖像画は写実的で格式高いものが多いのに対し、似顔絵は特徴を誇張して面白おかしく描くことが多いため、用途が異なります。
主に美術館や博物館、あるいは歴史的な建物の廊下などに飾られています。また、個人の家庭では家族の記念写真として飾られることもあります。
「肖像」は人物の姿そのものを指す言葉ですが、「肖像画」はそれが絵画として表現されたものを指します。
Test Yourself
美術館で歴史上の偉人の___を鑑賞した。
歴史上の人物の姿を描いたものは一般的に肖像画と呼ばれます。
「肖像画」の説明として正しいものはどれですか？
肖像画は人物の容貌を表現した作品を指します。
（飾ってある / 廊下に / 肖像画 / 大きな / が）
場所、物の順序で文章を構成するのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
A portrait is a visual representation of a person, often serving as a historical record or a sentimental tribute.
- A painting or photograph representing a specific person.
- Often used to commemorate historical figures or family members.
- Differs from casual caricatures by having a more formal tone.
Focus on the Kanji meaning
The kanji '肖' means to resemble, and '像' means image. Combining them creates the literal meaning of an 'image that resembles a person'.
Don't confuse with caricature
While both depict people, '肖像画' is usually respectful or formal. Avoid using it if the drawing is meant to be a funny cartoon.
Historical importance in Japan
In Japanese history, portraits of monks and samurai were highly valued. These are often called '肖像画' or '御影' (miei) in a religious context.
Examples
4 of 4リビングに祖父の肖像画を飾っている。
I have a portrait of my grandfather displayed in the living room.
美術館で有名な王の肖像画を見た。
I saw a portrait of a famous king at the art museum.
これは私の肖像画だよ。
This is a portrait of me.
ルネサンス期の肖像画には独特の技法が見られる。
Unique techniques can be observed in Renaissance portraits.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More history words
繁栄
B1The state of being successful, flourishing, or thriving, especially regarding wealth or growth of a nation or business.
衰退
B1The process of a country, industry, or culture losing power, strength, or vigor and moving toward a decline.
中世
B1The Middle Ages, the period between ancient and modern times.
事柄
B2A matter, affair, or a specific historical event.
近代
B1Modern times, recent ages, often after the Middle Ages.
歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
植民地
B2A colony, a country or area under the full or partial political control of another.
宮殿
B1A palace, the official residence of a sovereign or head of state.
遺物
A2A relic, artifact, or object surviving from an earlier time.
歴史書
A2A history book, a written account of historical events.
