Translation and Meaning of: 画家 - gaka

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 画家[がか]. But what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, use in everyday Japanese, and even some curiosities that will help you memorize it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to truly learn Japanese.

The meaning of 画家[がか]

The word 画家[がか] is formed by the kanjis 画 (image, drawing) and 家 (specialist, professional). Together, they mean "painter" or "visual artist." Unlike more generic terms like アーティスト (artist, in a broad sense), 画家 specifically refers to someone who creates visual art, such as paintings and illustrations.

It is worth noting that, in Japan, 画家 is used for both traditional and contemporary artists. Whether it's someone who paints classic watercolors or a professional working with modern techniques, the term continues to be applied. This breadth means that the word frequently appears in galleries, exhibitions, and even in articles about culture.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 画家 dates back to the Edo period, when Japanese painting began to stand out with styles such as ukiyo-e. Artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige were called 浮世絵師 (ukiyo-e specialists), but the term 画家 was already used to refer to painters in general. Over time, the word became established in everyday vocabulary.

Nowadays, 画家 is a common word, but not as frequent as terms like デザイナー (designer) or イラストレーター (illustrator). This is because it carries a more formal tone, often associated with recognized artists or those working with traditional techniques. In everyday conversations, Japanese people might use simpler expressions, such as 絵を描く人 (person who draws), depending on the context.

How to memorize 画家[がか] (artist)

An effective way to memorize this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it. 画 (ga) means "drawing" or "painting," while 家 (ka) indicates a professional. Together, they form "painting specialist." If you are already familiar with words like 音楽家 (musician) or 小説家 (novelist), you will notice that the suffix 家 is used to designate professions.

Another tip is to remember famous artists. For example, if you like Van Gogh, you can think: "Van Gogh was a great 画家." This association with well-known names helps to memorize the term more naturally. Additionally, writing down phrases like 彼は有名な画家です (He is a famous painter) can reinforce learning.

Curiosidades sobre a Palavra

In Japan, 画家 is not limited to just painters of pictures. Artists who work with calligraphy (書道) or even digital illustrators can be referred to as such, depending on the context. The flexibility of the term reflects the evolution of art in the country, which blends ancient and modern techniques.

An interesting curiosity is that, although 画家 is a Japanese word, it is also used in Chinese with the same meaning. This happens because many kanji have Chinese origins and retain similar meanings in both languages. If you already study Chinese or have contact with the language, this similarity can be an added facilitator.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

絵描き (ekaki) - Artist, illustrator generally specialized in drawings or illustrations.
絵師 (eshi) - A master or skilled painting artist, usually referring to artists in the traditional context.
絵画家 (kaiga-ka) - Painting artist, a professional painter, often associated with more formal works of art.
画工 (gakō) - Artist who creates paintings, traditionally used for craftsmen or wall painters.
画人 (gajin) - Painter generally refers to an artist who works with painting as a profession.
画筆 (gafude) - Brush or painting tool, essential in the practice of painting.
画匠 (gakushō) - An artist or craftsman specialized in the creation of paintings sometimes implies a higher standard of skill.
画家さん (gaka-san) - Respectful way to refer to a painter or artist, used with a tone of kindness.