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The word _composition_ has several meanings in English, and from looking at
dictionary entries, it seems it also can be translated several different ways
in Japanese.

**When referring specifically to composition in the context of visual arts,
what term would be used in Japanese?**

Surprisingly, [the Wikipedia entry for
composition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composition_\(visual_arts\))
currently has no Japanese translation.

The closest word I am aware of in Japanese is [合成]{ごうせい}, but to me that feels
closer to "composite". The idea of combining in the sense of layering data
more than in the sense of layout or balancing of visual elements.
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question
translation meaning definitions word-requests
How to say "artistic composition"?
I believe the word is
[構図【こうず】](https://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/jn/73648/meaning/m0u/).

> **１** 絵画・写真などで仕上がりの効果を配慮した画面の構成。コンポジション。「構図がいい写真」「斬新な構図」

It specifically gives a translation "composition".

Also I think you can use the broader concept
[構成【こうせい】](https://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/jn/73648/meaning/m0u/), which is not
limited to visual arts.

> **２** 文芸・音楽・造形芸術などで、表現上の諸要素を独自の手法で組み立てて作品にすること。「番組を構成する」

**EDIT**  
構図 refers to the "result of composition", for the "act of composition" you
should use 構成 or
[配置](https://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/jn/173997/meaning/m1u/%E9%85%8D%E7%BD%AE/).
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answer