Japanese word

構図

Pronunciation

Romajikōzu

Meaning

  • nouncomposition

Example

この絵の構図がとてもきれいです。ko no e no kō zu ga to te mo ki re i de su

The composition of this painting is beautiful.

Illustration for 構図 (composition)

More examples

写真を撮る前に、構図を決めます。sha shin o to ru mae ni kō zu o ki me ma su

Before taking the picture, I decide on the composition.

Core concept

Shows how separate parts are organized in relation to one another to form a unified scene.

Common phrases

  • 構図を決めるkō zu o ki me ru

    decide on the composition

  • 構図を考えるkō zu o kanga e ru

    think about the composition

  • 構図を変えるkō zu o ka e ru

    change the composition

Similar words

構成kōsei: The arrangement of parts and their relationships within a complete visual work.
配置haichi: The act of placing elements in particular positions within a visual scene.
レイアウトreiauto: The design and placement of elements on a page, screen, or surface.

Definition in Japanese

絵画や写真などにおける、人物や物の位置関係と画面全体の組み立て。kai ga ya sha shin na do ni o ke ru jin butsu ya mono no i chi kan kei to ga men zen tai no ku mi ta te

Word origin

構図 (kōzu) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 構 (kō, "structure") and 図 (zu, "diagram"), linking structure with a planned arrangement.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase "strong composition" usually praises the organization of a visual work, while Japanese 構図 (kōzu) is mainly used for that visual sense.

Other meanings

  • layoutnoun
  • structurenoun

Word lists with this word