具象(ぐしょう)

ぐしょう
noun
concreteness; concrete representation; figurative art
formalartabstract
1. concreteness; concrete representation
The quality of being concrete, tangible, or having a specific form, as opposed to being abstract or conceptual.
具象(ぐしょう)的(てき)に説明(せつめい)してください。
Please explain it concretely.
抽象(ちゅうしょう)を具象(ぐしょう)に変(か)える力(ちから)が大切(たいせつ)だ。
The ability to turn the abstract into the concrete is important.
彼(かれ)の考(かんが)えを具象(ぐしょう)化(か)するのは難(むずか)しい。
It's difficult to give concrete form to his ideas.
2. representational art; figurative art
In art, refers to representational or figurative work that depicts recognizable subjects, as opposed to abstract art.
具象(ぐしょう)画(が)が好(す)きです。
I like representational painting.
この美術館(びじゅつかん)は具象(ぐしょう)と抽象(ちゅうしょう)の両方(りょうほう)を展示(てんじ)している。
This art museum exhibits both figurative and abstract works.
具象(ぐしょう)彫刻(ちょうこく)の展覧会(てんらんかい)が開(ひら)かれている。
An exhibition of figurative sculpture is being held.

Composed of 具(ぐ) (tool, means, to be furnished with) and 象(しょう) (image, form). The word contrasts directly with 抽象(ちゅうしょう) (abstract). Can function as a noun or as the stem for the na-adjective 具象(ぐしょう)的(てき).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 具体(ぐたい): concrete, specific — more common in everyday usage; 具象(ぐしょう) is more literary and art-related
  • 抽象(ちゅうしょう): abstract — the direct opposite
  • 写実(しゃじつ): realism — in art, focuses on faithful depiction; overlaps with 具象(ぐしょう) but emphasizes accuracy

Related Words

Compare: 具体(ぐたい) (concrete, specific)
Antonym: 抽象(ちゅうしょう) (abstract)
Compare: 写実(しゃじつ) (realism)
general
Added 2026.4.8 16:45 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
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