映像

えいぞう

reflection, image

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"映像" primarily refers to visual images or video footage, often used in contexts related to television, movies, or any recorded or live visual media. It can mean the actual picture or image displayed on a screen or the mental image recalled in one's mind.

Common Contexts

You will often see "映像" used when discussing technology related to video quality, such as in TVs or cameras, or when talking about film and video production. It can also be used metaphorically to describe mental images or memories.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 映像技術 (えいぞうぎじゅつ): imaging technology, used in technical or professional contexts.
  • 映像が鮮明だ (えいぞうがせんめいだ): the image is clear, common when describing picture quality.
  • 過去の映像 (かこのえいぞう): images from the past, often used when recalling memories.

Register and Nuance

"映像" is a formal and neutral term, suitable for both everyday and professional use. It is more specific than general words like "画像" (がぞう, image) because it often implies moving images or video rather than still pictures.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "映像" with "画像". Remember, "映像" usually refers to video or moving images, while "画像" is more often used for still images or pictures. Use "映像" when talking about movies, TV, or video footage to sound natural.

Example Sentences

てれびのえいぞうがとてもせんめいだ。

The television image is very clear.

えいがのえいぞうぎじゅつがしんぽしている。

The imaging technology in movies is advancing.

かれのはなしをきいて、かこのえいぞうがあたまにうかんだ。

Listening to him, images from the past came to mind.