Japanese Conversation · Level 28
90 words
Japanese word
モチーフ
Pronunciation
Romajimochīfu
Meaning
- nounmotif
Example
この絵のモチーフは花です。ko no e no mo chī fu wa hana de su
The motif of this painting is a flower.
More examples
この模様は、伝統的な陶器をモチーフにしています。ko no mo yō wa den tō teki na tō ki o mo chī fu ni shi te i ma su
This pattern uses traditional pottery as its motif.
Core concept
Names the subject chosen for expression or an element that recurs across a work.
Common phrases
モチーフを取り入れるmo chī fu o to ri i re ru
incorporate a motif
モチーフにするmo chī fu ni su ru
use as a motif
物語のモチーフmonogatari no mo chī fu
motif of a story
モチーフを描くmo chī fu o ega ku
depict a motif
Similar words
題材daizai: The subject chosen for expression in a work of art.
主題shudai: The central subject or idea developed in a work.
Definition in Japanese
芸術作品などで、表現の題材として選ばれたものや、繰り返し現れる主題。gei jutsu saku hin na do de hyō gen no dai zai to shi te era ba re ta mo no ya ku ri kae shi arawa re ru shu dai
Word origin
The Japanese word モチーフ (mochīfu, "motif") comes from French motif and is ultimately related to Latin motivus, "moving".
Usage tips
- In English, motif often refers to a recurring image, phrase, or musical figure, not only the subject of a painting.
Other meanings
- themenoun