Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Art-and-Literature-Terminology

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Japanese → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Arts and Media → Art and Literature Terminology

In this lesson, we will explore the fascinating world of art and literature in Japan. Art and literature have played a significant role in Japanese culture for centuries, and understanding the terminology and expressions associated with these forms of expression will not only enhance your Japanese language skills but also provide you with valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

Throughout this lesson, we will delve into various art and literature forms, including painting, calligraphy, poetry, and novels. We will learn the essential vocabulary and expressions related to each form and explore their cultural significance. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Japanese art and literature terminology, enabling you to appreciate and discuss these topics with confidence.

Painting[edit | edit source]

Painting, or "e" (絵) in Japanese, has a long and esteemed history in Japan. Traditional Japanese painting styles, such as Yamato-e and Rinpa, are known for their distinctive techniques and subject matter. Let's explore some essential terms related to Japanese painting:

Japanese Painting Styles[edit | edit source]

Japanese painting encompasses various styles and schools, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some notable Japanese painting styles:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
絵画 egaku painting
日本画 nihonga traditional Japanese painting
洋画 youga Western-style painting
山水画 sansuiga landscape painting
花鳥画 kachoga flower and bird painting

Painting Tools[edit | edit source]

To create their masterpieces, Japanese artists use specific tools and materials. Here are some essential painting tools:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
筆 fude brush
絵の具 enogu paint
絵筆 efude paintbrush
絵の具セット enogu setto paint set

Colors[edit | edit source]

Colors play a vital role in Japanese painting. Traditional Japanese colors are often subtle and harmonious. Here are some colors frequently used in Japanese painting:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
黒 kuro black
白 shiro white
赤 aka red
青 ao blue
緑 midori green
黄色 kiiro yellow

Calligraphy[edit | edit source]

Calligraphy, or "shodo" (書道) in Japanese, is the art of writing beautiful characters using a brush and ink. It is highly regarded in Japan and considered a form of artistic expression. Let's explore some essential terms related to Japanese calligraphy:

Calligraphy Styles[edit | edit source]

Japanese calligraphy has several distinct styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some notable calligraphy styles:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
書道 shodo calligraphy
行書 gyosho semi-cursive script
表札 hyosatsu nameplate

Calligraphy Tools[edit | edit source]

To practice calligraphy, you need specific tools. Here are some essential calligraphy tools:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
筆 fude brush
墨 sumi ink
和紙 washi Japanese paper

Calligraphy Strokes[edit | edit source]

Calligraphy strokes are the building blocks of each character. Here are some common calligraphy strokes:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
横画 yokogaki horizontal stroke
縦画 tategaki vertical stroke
点 ten dot

Poetry[edit | edit source]

Poetry, or "shi" (詩) in Japanese, holds a special place in Japanese literature and culture. Traditional Japanese poetry forms, such as haiku and tanka, are known for their brevity and profound beauty. Let's explore some essential terms related to Japanese poetry:

Poetry Forms[edit | edit source]

Japanese poetry encompasses various forms, each with its unique structure and characteristics. Here are some notable Japanese poetry forms:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
詩 shi poetry
俳句 haiku haiku
短歌 tanka tanka

Poetry Terminology[edit | edit source]

To appreciate and understand Japanese poetry, it's helpful to be familiar with certain terminology. Here are some essential poetry terms:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
季語 kigo seasonal word
五・七・五 go, shichi, go 5-7-5 (syllable pattern)
切れ字 kireji cutting word

Novel[edit | edit source]

The novel, or "shosetsu" (小説) in Japanese, is a popular form of literature in Japan. Japanese novels cover a wide range of genres and themes, from historical fiction to contemporary romance. Let's explore some essential terms related to Japanese novels:

Novel Genres[edit | edit source]

Japanese novels encompass various genres, each with its unique storytelling style and themes. Here are some notable Japanese novel genres:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
小説 shosetsu novel
歴史小説 rekishi shosetsu historical novel
ミステリー misuterii mystery
恋愛小説 ren'ai shosetsu romance novel

Literary Terms[edit | edit source]

To appreciate and analyze Japanese novels, it's helpful to be familiar with certain literary terms. Here are some essential literary terms:

Japanese Pronunciation English Translation
登場人物 tojoshujinbutsu character
舞台 butai setting
プロット purotto plot

Now that we have explored the essential terminology and expressions related to Japanese art and literature, let's test your understanding through some practice exercises.

Exercise[edit | edit source]

1. Fill in the blank with the correct term: 

  "___ is the art of writing beautiful characters using a brush and ink."
  a. Egaku
  b. Shodo
  c. Haiku

2. Match the following Japanese painting styles with their English translations: 

  a. Nihonga
  b. Youga
  c. Sansuiga
  d. Kachoga

  i. Landscape painting
  ii. Western-style painting
  iii. Traditional Japanese painting
  iv. Flower and bird painting

  Answer: 
  a. iii
  b. ii
  c. i
  d. iv

3. True or False: Haiku is a form of Japanese novel. 

  Answer: False

4. Match the following calligraphy tools with their Japanese names: 

  a. Brush
  b. Ink
  c. Japanese paper

  i. Sumi
  ii. Fude
  iii. Washi

  Answer:
  a. ii
  b. i
  c. iii

5. True or False: Kigo refers to a seasonal word used in Japanese poetry. 

  Answer: True

Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. b. Shodo 2. a. iii, b. ii, c. i, d. iv 3. False 4. a. ii, b. i, c. iii 5. True

In this lesson, we explored the art and literature forms in Japan, including painting, calligraphy, poetry, and novels. We learned the essential terminology and expressions associated with each form, providing us with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and creativity. Practice using these terms in your Japanese conversations and writing to enhance your language skills and appreciation for the arts. Keep exploring and immersing yourself in the world of Japanese art and literature, and you will continue to discover new and exciting expressions of creativity.

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Hiragana Basics


Greetings and Introductions


Geography and History


Adjectives and Adverbs


Family and Social Relations


Religion and Philosophy


Particles and Conjunctions


Travel and Tourism


Education and Science


Prepositions and Interjections


Arts and Media


Politics and Society


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



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