How to say 'Conception' or 'Imagination' in Japanese | 想像

word

Meaning

Conception, Imagination

Reading

Kanji

想Concept 像Image, Statue

Explanation

The Japanese verbal noun '想像 (そうぞう)' primarily means 'imagination' or 'conception'. It refers to the ability to form mental images or ideas of things not present to the senses or not previously known or experienced. It is often used in contexts discussing creativity, planning, or hypothesizing about future events or scenarios. For example: His imagination is boundless「彼の想像は無限だ」(かれのそうぞうはむげんだ). It's hard to conceive of such a situation「そんな状況を想像するのは難しい」(そんなじょうきょうをそうぞうするのはむずかしい). This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal writing, highlighting its versatility in describing both creative and speculative thought processes.

Part Of Speech

verbal noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

6581

Composition

kanji

Handwriting