Japanese word

デッサン

Pronunciation

Romajidessan

Meaning

  • nounsketch

Example

美術の授業でデッサンをします。bi jutsu no ju gyō de de ssa n o shi ma su

I make a sketch in art class.

Illustration for デッサン (sketch)

More examples

モデルを見ながらデッサンを仕上げます。mo de ru o mi na ga ra de ssa n o shi a ge ma su

I complete a sketch while looking at the model.

Core concept

Refers to a drawn study that captures the form and tonal structure of a subject through careful observation.

Common phrases

  • デッサンをするde ssa n o su ru

    make a sketch

  • デッサンの練習de ssa n no ren shū

    sketching practice

Similar words

素描sobyō: A formal term for a drawn study of a subject's form and tonal structure.
スケッチsuketchi: A quick drawing that captures the basic form or main features of a subject.
写生shasei: A drawing or painting made by directly observing a subject.

Definition in Japanese

対象の形や明暗を観察し、線や陰影によって描き出す練習や作品。tai shō no katachi ya mei an o kan satsu shi sen ya in ei ni yo tte ega ki da su ren shū ya saku hin

Word origin

デッサン (dessan) is a Japanese borrowing from French dessin, which means "drawing" or "sketch".

Usage tips

  • Japanese art classes use デッサン (dessan) for observational drawing practice, so the word often suggests more study and detail than a quick English sketch.

Related words

  • デッサンするdessansurusketchverb
  • デッサン力dessanryokusketching skillnoun

Word lists with this word