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画家 — meaning in English: painter

gaka · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for painter
画家
gaka
Su
特権
tokken
欲望
yokubō
会社
kaisha
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 画家 (gaka) when discussing artists, particularly in galleries, art classes, or cultural events. For example, a teacher might introduce famous Japanese painters in a classroom setting or a friend might compliment a local artist at an exhibition.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 絵師 (eshi), which refers specifically to an artist who produces drawings or illustrations, often in a more traditional context. Use 画家 (gaka) when referring to painters in a broader sense, including modern and contemporary artists.
Culture
The term 画家 (gaka) can be traced back to the Kanji characters: '画' meaning 'drawing' or 'picture' and '家' denoting 'person' or 'expert'. This word reflects Japan's rich artistic heritage, from traditional Ukiyo-e woodblock prints to contemporary art, showcasing the importance of painters in Japanese culture.
FAQ
Q.What does 画家 (gaka) mean in English?
画家 (gaka) translates to 'painter' in English, referring to someone who creates art using paint, whether it's watercolor, acrylic, or oil.
Q.How do you use 画家 in a sentence?
You can say, '彼は有名な画家です' (Kare wa yūmei na gaka desu), which means 'He is a famous painter.' This showcases the use of 画家 in identifying someone by their profession.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 画家?
A common mistake is confusing 画家 (gaka) with other art-related terms like アーティスト (ātisuto), which means 'artist' in a broader sense. Use 画家 specifically for painters to convey the correct meaning.
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