想像
sōzōThe ability to form mental images or concepts of things not present to the senses; the faculty of imagining.
子供は想像力が豊かだ
Children have rich imaginations.
その絵は想像を超えていた
The painting exceeded my imagination.
Often used to describe creativity, daydreaming, or visualizing scenarios.
A mental image or concept formed by imagining.
彼の想像は現実とはかけ離れていた
His imagination was far from reality.
想像を働かせてみてください
Please use your imagination.
Can refer to a specific mental picture or idea.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Verb vs. Noun
While '想像' is a noun, the verb '想像する' is more commonly used in conversation.
⚡Gold Rule
Common Usage
In everyday speech, '想像する' (to imagine) is more frequently used than the noun '想像'.
📖Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 'sɨɐŋˠˠzɨɐŋˠ' (to think, imagine), composed of '想' (to think) and '像' (image).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used both as a noun (想像) and as a verb (想像する). The verb form is more common in everyday speech.