イメージ

• Reading: イメージ
• Romaji: imeeji
• Pronunciation: /i.meː.dʑi/

Meaning

Image; impression. A mental picture or the way something is perceived.

A katakana loanword from English 'image' that also functions as a suru verb (イメージする, to imagine/envision). Used broadly for brand image, mental impressions, and visualization. イメージチェンジ (image change) and イメージアップ (image improvement) are common compound expressions.

Examples

1. 完成した姿をイメージしてからデザインを始める。 I visualize the finished product before starting the design.
2. あの会社はイメージが良くて人気がある。 That company has a good image and is popular.
3. 彼女は昔とイメージがだいぶ変わった。 Her image has changed quite a bit from before.

Usage Guide

Context: business, daily life, creative work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'image' in the early 20th century. In Japanese, it expanded beyond visual representation to encompass mental visualization and public perception.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal