油絵

あぶらえ

oil painting

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

What is 油絵?

油絵 (あぶらえ) refers specifically to oil painting, a traditional art form using oil-based paints. It is a common term in art contexts, especially when discussing painting techniques or artworks.

Usage and Context

This word is mostly used in formal or artistic settings, such as museums, galleries, or art classes. It often appears when talking about the medium or style of a painting.

Common Collocations

  • 油絵を描く (あぶらえをかく): to paint an oil painting
  • 油絵の具 (あぶらえのぐ): oil paints
  • 油絵展 (あぶらえてん): oil painting exhibition

These collocations help specify the activity or materials related to oil painting.

Tips for Learners

油絵 is a noun and is often combined with verbs like 描く (to paint) or 展示する (to exhibit). Remember that it specifically means oil painting, not painting in general (which is 絵 or 絵画). Avoid confusing it with 水彩画 (すいさいが, watercolor painting).

Using 油絵 correctly shows a good understanding of art vocabulary and can help you discuss art more precisely.

Example Sentences

かれはあぶらえをかくのがしゅみです。

He enjoys painting oil paintings as a hobby.

このびじゅつかんにはゆうめいなあぶらえがたくさんてんじされています。

This art museum exhibits many famous oil paintings.

あぶらえのぐはかわくのにじかんがかかります。

Oil paints take time to dry.