Today’s Question
この絵（え）はイメージです。
This picture is an イメージ.
What does イメージ mean?
イメージ is the transliteration of the English word “image” but actual meaning is an “image created in a person’s head” rather than an actual image. So it often gets translated as an “impression” rather than an “image.”
Examples
この絵はイメージです。実際の靴とは異なります。(today’s question sentence)
This picture is an impression (only). It’s different from the actual shoes.イメージどおりに仕上がった。
It’s exactly the way I pictured it in my mind.これは春風をイメージしたメロディーです。
This melody is meant to create an impression of the wind in spring.カーテンを替えたら部屋のイメージがすっかり変わった。
The feeling of the room changed completely after I changed the curtains.あの俳優は悪役のイメージが強い。
People always think of that actor as one who plays the villain.エイミーさんのイメージはよい。
Amy comes across as a charming woman.日本での生活をイメージしてください。
Picture your life in Japan.この広告は会社のイメージアップに役立った。
This advertisement contributed to improving the reputation of the company.あのニュースは学校のイメージダウンにつながった。
The news damaged the reputation of the school.
Answer to Today’s question
“impression” – see the translation above.
Transliteration Rules
The “a” in ”Image” is not a diphthong [ei] but a single short vowel [i]. However, it is written with a prolonged vowel bar “ー.” Most English words ending in “-age” are transliterated with the “-eージ” ending.
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