構図(こうず)

こうず
noun
composition, setup, structure
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(しゃしん)の構図(こうず)を考(かんが)える。
To think about the composition of a photograph.
この絵(え)は構図(こうず)がとても美(うつく)しい。
The composition of this painting is very beautiful.
人物(じんぶつ)を中央(ちゅうおう)に置(お)く構図(こうず)は安定感(あんていかん)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(よとう)と野党(やとう)の対立(たいりつ)という構図(こうず)。
A setup of confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties.
大企業(だいきぎょう)と中小企業(ちゅうしょうきぎょう)の構図(こうず)は変(か)わりつつある。
The dynamic between large corporations and small-to-medium businesses is changing.
選挙(せんきょ)は三(さん)つの政党(せいとう)が争(あらそ)う構図(こうず)となった。
The election took on a structure in which three parties competed.

Etymology

構(こう) (to construct, to set up) + 図(ず) (diagram, picture). Literally "constructed picture" — how a picture is set up.

Usage

In sense 1, 構図(こうず) 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

Related Words

Compare: 図式(ずしき) (diagram)
Related: 遠近法(えんきんほう) (perspective (in art))
Compare: 勢力図(せいりょくず) (power map)
Compare: アングル (angle (camera angle, viewpoint, perspective in photography/film))
general
Added 2026.2.23 21:24 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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