1.
master painter; accomplished artist
An honorific title for a highly skilled and respected painter or artist. Can also be used humorously or sarcastically to describe someone who draws, regardless of skill.
彼は日本画の画伯だ。
He is a master of Japanese-style painting.
画伯の作品が美術館に展示されている。
The master painter's works are on display at the museum.
子供の描いた絵を見て、「さすが画伯」と冗談を言った。
Looking at the child's drawing, I jokingly said, 'What a master painter!'
画伯 is an honorific title for a highly skilled and respected painter. It combines 画 (painting) + 伯 (chief, elder).
USAGE:
Originally a respectful title for accomplished painters, similar to 'master painter.' In modern usage, it has developed a humorous or ironic use, especially online and among younger speakers, to refer to anyone who draws — even jokingly when the drawing is not particularly skilled.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 画伯の作品 (the master's works)
- 画伯と呼ばれる (to be called a master painter)
- ○○画伯 (Master [Name] — used as a title after a name)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 画家: painter, artist (neutral, standard term)
- 巨匠: master, maestro (broader, not limited to painting)
- 画伯 carries more respect or formality than 画家, but its ironic use is now very common
REGISTER:
Formal when used seriously; playful or ironic in casual/internet contexts.