bokeh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / SpecialistFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “bokeh” mean?
The aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of a photograph.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of a photograph.
A visual effect used in photography and cinematography where intentional blur separates a subject from its background, or more generally, any soft, blurred background or out-of-focus light orbs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciations differ, and usage might be slightly more established in American English due to market size of photography publications.
Connotations
Consistently carries connotations of professional or artistic quality in photography in both regions.
Frequency
More frequent in discourse among photographers, cinematographers, and tech reviewers than in general language. Slightly higher frequency in US media, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “bokeh” in a Sentence
[Lens/Photographer] produces/generates/creates [adjective] bokeh.The bokeh in this [photograph/image] is [adjective].To achieve smooth bokeh, use a [wide aperture/long focal length].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bokeh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This lens bokehs beautifully, rendering highlights as soft orbs.
- The software attempts to bokeh the background artificially.
American English
- The cinematographer wanted the lights to bokeh in the background.
- New phones can computationally bokeh an image after it's taken.
adverb
British English
- The highlights rendered bokeh-ly, merging into a creamy wash.
American English
- The background fell away bokeh-ishly, isolating the subject perfectly.
adjective
British English
- The bokeh rendition was exceptionally smooth.
- She admired the bokeh quality of the vintage lens.
American English
- The bokeh effect is a key selling point for this portrait lens.
- Look at those nice bokeh circles in the holiday lights.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing copy for cameras, lenses, and smartphones to highlight imaging capabilities (e.g., 'portrait mode with studio-quality bokeh').
Academic
Found in papers and textbooks on optics, photographic science, and visual media studies.
Everyday
Rare. May be encountered in online reviews, photography forums, or tech discussions about phone cameras.
Technical
Core term in photography and cinematography. Discussed in terms of lens optical formulae, aperture blade shape, spherical aberration, and rendering quality.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bokeh”
- Mispronouncing it as one syllable ('boke') or as 'boh-kay'.
- Using it to refer to any blur, including motion blur or poor focus.
- Spelling it as 'bokia', 'bokey', or 'boca'.
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a bokeh'). It is generally uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it involves blur, 'bokeh' specifically refers to the *character* and *aesthetic quality* of that blur—whether it's smooth and creamy or harsh and distracting. It's a qualitative term, not just a descriptive one.
The most accepted pronunciations are /ˈboʊ.kə/ (BOH-kuh) in American English and /ˈbəʊ.kə/ (BOH-kuh) in British English. The common mispronunciation 'boh-kay' originates from a misinterpretation of the spelling.
Yes, absolutely. 'Good bokeh' is typically smooth, creamy, and unobtrusive, helping the subject stand out. 'Bad bokeh' might be nervous, busy, or have harsh, distracting edges (like 'nisen bokeh' or double-line bokeh), drawing attention away from the subject.
Traditionally, yes—it's an optical property of the lens. However, modern computational photography (in smartphones and software like Photoshop) can simulate bokeh effects digitally. Purists often distinguish between 'optical bokeh' and 'simulated' or 'fake bokeh'.
The aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of a photograph.
Bokeh is usually formal / technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bokeh balls (referring to the circular or polygonal shapes of out-of-focus highlights)”
- “Bokeh monster (slang for a lens renowned for producing exceptional bokeh)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BOH-kə Background Blur'. The 'BOH' sounds like 'blur', and it's what happens when objects are 'BOH-th' near and far from the focus point.
Conceptual Metaphor
BLUR IS A QUALITATIVE TEXTURE (e.g., creamy, smooth, harsh, busy). SEPARATION IS DEPTH (bokeh creates a sense of three-dimensional space).
Practice
Quiz
Which statement best describes 'bokeh'?