How to say "pose" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe loanword for a pose of the body: the pose you strike for a photograph, a model holds, or a dancer or athlete takes. The natural choice for the physical sense.
- 姿勢しせいnounThe way the body is held when standing or sitting — posture — rather than a deliberately struck pose; it also covers a person's stance or position on an issue.
- 格好かっこうnounChiefly shape, form, or overall appearance — what something or someone looks like, including how a person is dressed — so it is seldom the word you want for a pose itself.
- 見せ掛けみせかけno-adjectiveA figurative 'pose' in the sense of pretense or show: a false front that makes something merely seem to be the case. It does not refer to a physical pose.
- 見栄みえnounA pose kept up to impress others — putting on a show for the sake of appearances. The word is really about vanity and display, not a physical posture.
Use 「ポーズ」 for a physical pose struck for a photo or performance, 姿勢 for posture or stance, 「見せ掛け」 and 見栄 for figurative poses of pretense or show, and 格好 mainly for shape or appearance.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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