1.
composition (art/photography)
The arrangement of visual elements within a painting, photograph, or other artwork. How subjects, colors, and shapes are placed within the frame.
写真の構図を考える。
To think about the composition of a photograph.
この絵は構図がとても美しい。
The composition of this painting is very beautiful.
人物を中央に置く構図は安定感がある。
A composition that places the subject in the center has a sense of stability.
2.
setup, structure, framework (figurative)
The underlying structure or pattern of a situation, conflict, or relationship. Used to describe the dynamics between opposing forces or parties.
与党と野党の対立という構図。
A setup of confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties.
大企業と中小企業の構図は変わりつつある。
The dynamic between large corporations and small-to-medium businesses is changing.
選挙は三つの政党が争う構図となった。
The election took on a structure in which three parties competed.
ETYMOLOGY:
構 (to construct, to set up) + 図 (diagram, picture). Literally "constructed picture" — how a picture is set up.
USAGE:
In sense 1, 構図 is the standard term in art and photography for composition. In sense 2, it is widely used in news and political commentary to describe the framework of a conflict or competition. The figurative sense has become very common in modern Japanese.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 構図を決める: to decide the composition
- 構図を考える: to think about composition
- 対立の構図: a structure of opposition
- 構図が変わる: the dynamic changes
- 構図が見えてくる: the structure becomes visible