1.
illustration, picture inserted in a text
An illustration or picture inserted within the pages of a book, magazine, or other printed text to complement or decorate the writing.
美しい挿絵が入った絵本だ。
It's a picture book with beautiful illustrations.
この小説の挿絵は有名な画家が描いた。
The illustrations for this novel were drawn by a famous artist.
挿絵があると、物語の場面がより鮮やかにイメージできる。
With illustrations, one can visualize the scenes of the story more vividly.
USAGE:
挿絵 specifically refers to illustrations within a text — not standalone artwork. It is distinct from 絵 (picture in general) and イラスト (illustration in the modern/commercial sense). 挿絵 has a somewhat literary or traditional feel and is commonly used for book illustrations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 挿絵を描く: to draw illustrations
- 挿絵入り: illustrated (with illustrations)
- 挿絵画家: illustrator (for books)