Translation and Meaning of: 図表 - zuhyou

The Japanese word 図表 (ずひょう, zuhyou) is quite useful for those who study or work with data, presentations, or visual materials. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese refer to charts, tables, or diagrams, this is the answer. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word in everyday life in Japan.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it's interesting to discover how 図表 is perceived in the Japanese language, whether in academic, professional contexts, or even in everyday conversations. If you're learning Japanese, knowing how and when to use this word can be essential for communicating accurately. Shall we?

Meaning and usage of 図表 (ずひょう)

The term 図表 (zu-hyou) is composed of two kanjis: 図 (zu), which means "drawing" or "diagram," and 表 (hyou), which refers to "table" or "surface." Together, they form a term that encompasses visual representations of information, such as graphs, maps, and comparison charts. Whether in business reports or educational materials, this word appears frequently.

In Japan, the use of 図表 is common in environments where visual clarity is important. Companies use it in presentations, while schools employ it to explain complex concepts in a simplified way. If you have ever seen a Japanese document with infographics, it is likely that the caption included this word.

Origin and components of kanjis

The origin of 図 dates back to ancient Chinese, where it represented the idea of "planning" or "mapping." Over time, its meaning evolved to include graphical representations. On the other hand, 表 has roots in representing external surfaces, such as tables that organize data visibly. The combination of these ideograms reinforces the notion of visually structured information.

It is worth noting that 図表 is not an ancient or rare word. It is part of the modern vocabulary and is widely recognized in Japan. If you are studying Japanese for business or sciences, memorizing it can be especially useful, as reports and research often include it.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 図表 is to associate it with practical situations. For example, when seeing a temperature chart in a Japanese newspaper, mentally repeat: "これは図表です" (this is a zuhyou). This type of contextualization helps to memorize not only the word but also its real application.

Another tip is to notice that 図表 is more formal than terms like グラフ (gurafu, "graph") or 表 (hyou, "table"). While the latter can be used in informal conversations, 図表 appears more in technical or academic texts. Knowing this difference helps avoid linguistic register errors.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 表 (Hyō) - Table, list
• 図 (Zu) - Diagram, image
• チャート (Chāto) - Graph, data table
• グラフ (Gurafu) - Graph, visual representation of data
• 図形 (Zukei) - Shape, geometric figure
• 図示 (Zuji) - Illustration, graphic representation
• 図解 (Zukai) - Illustrated explanation, explanatory graphic
• 図版 (Zuhan) - Illustration, printed image
• 図案 (Zuan) - Project, design
• 図表化 (Zuhyōka) - Visualization in the form of a table or chart

図表

Romaji: zuhyou
Kana: ずひょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: graphic; diagram.

Meaning in English: chart;diagram;graph

Definition: A diagram or table that visually represents things or facts.

Example Sentences - (図表) zuhyou

See below some example sentences:

この図表は非常に分かりやすいです。

Kono zuhyou wa hijou ni wakariyasui desu

This table is very easy to understand.

This chart is very easy to understand.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 図表 - noun "chart, table"
• は - Topic particle
• 非常に - adverb "very"
• 分かりやすい - adjective "easy to understand"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form