美術
Bijutsu refers specifically to the fine arts, particularly visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and calligraphy. It is the standard term used to describe art as a school subject or the collection of works found in a gallery.
Examples
3 of 5私は中学校の時、美術の授業が好きでした。
I liked art class when I was in junior high school.
こちらの美術館には、日本の伝統的な美術品が展示されています。
Traditional Japanese works of art are exhibited in this art museum.
今度の休み、美術展に行かない？
Want to go to an art exhibition this coming holiday?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember 'Bi' means beautiful (as in 'bijin' - beautiful person) and 'jutsu' means technique (as in 'ninjutsu'). It's the 'beautiful technique' of painting!
Quick Quiz
日曜日に____館へ行って、有名な絵を見ました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 美術
Examples
私は中学校の時、美術の授業が好きでした。
everydayI liked art class when I was in junior high school.
こちらの美術館には、日本の伝統的な美術品が展示されています。
formalTraditional Japanese works of art are exhibited in this art museum.
今度の休み、美術展に行かない？
informalWant to go to an art exhibition this coming holiday?
近代美術の歴史について研究しています。
academicI am researching the history of modern art.
我が社は若手アーティストの美術活動を支援しています。
businessOur company supports the artistic activities of young artists.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
美術に造詣が深い
to have a deep knowledge of art
美術館巡り
visiting various art museums
現代美術
contemporary art
Often Confused With
Geijutsu is a broad term including music, dance, and literature, whereas Bijutsu focuses on visual arts.
Usage Notes
Use 'bijutsu' when referring to visual arts or the school subject. For broader creative expressions including music or theater, use 'geijutsu'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'geijutsu' when they specifically mean 'art class' at school; in that context, 'bijutsu' is the only correct term.
Memory Tip
Remember 'Bi' means beautiful (as in 'bijin' - beautiful person) and 'jutsu' means technique (as in 'ninjutsu'). It's the 'beautiful technique' of painting!
Word Origin
Created during the Meiji era as a translation for the Western concept of 'Fine Arts' using the characters for beauty (美) and skill/art (術).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Art (Bijutsu) is a compulsory subject in Japanese compulsory education, emphasizing both creation and appreciation.
Quick Quiz
日曜日に____館へ行って、有名な絵を見ました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 美術
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