概念
gainen[ɡa̠inẽ̞ɴ]
In Japanese, the English phrase concept is translated as 概念 (gainen). Wiktionary also lists 観念 (kannen) and コンセプト (konseputo).
Meaning: something understood and retained in the mind (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 概念 | gainen | [ɡa̠inẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 観念 | kannen | [kã̠nːẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| コンセプト | konseputo | [kõ̞ɰ̃se̞pɯ̟̊to̞] (narrow) |
The term concept refers to something understood and retained in the mind. The loanword コンセプト is used in product development, branding and marketing.
Which one should you use?
概念 is used for abstract, philosophical or scientific concepts. In contrast, 観念 refers more to a mental image, an idea or a notion held in one's consciousness.
How do you pronounce it?
gainen
Did you know?
- The word 観念 can be used in the phrase 観念する, which means to give up or resign oneself to an inevitable fate, such as being caught by the police.
- In modern Japanese internet slang, the word 概念 is used to describe a simplified or idealized version of a character or person, such as a 'concept' outfit that evokes a character without being a literal costume.
- The kanji in 概念 are 'concept' (概) and 'appearance/notion' (念), where the second character is the same one found in 'nenbutsu', a traditional Buddhist prayer.
Examples in context
- 連結リストの概念はそう難しくはない。A linked list isn't that complicated of a concept.This sentence uses 概念 to discuss the difficulty of a technical concept.Tatoeba #2390177 by wakatyann630, translation #10178908 by tsp_2
- ゼロの概念はインドで発明されました。The concept of "zero" originated in India.This sentence uses 概念 to describe the origin of a mathematical concept.Tatoeba #10899725 by small_snow, translation #11827695 by nana2capriccio
- コンセプトはご理解いただけましたか？Do you understand the concept?This sentence uses コンセプト to ask if a concept is understood.Tatoeba #12952435 by small_snow, translation #3825610 by CK
- この新しい 概念 は、我々のビジネスモデルに革新をもたらすでしょう。This new concept will bring innovation to our business model.
- 家族旅行の コンセプト はリラックスと楽しみです。The concept of the family trip is relaxation and fun.
- めちゃくちゃな アイディア だけど、面白そうだよね！It's a crazy concept, but it sounds interesting, right!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are studying philosophy together.
- 健太 Kentaこの概念は理解するのが難しいね。Kono gainen wa rikai suru no ga muzukashii ne.This concept is difficult to understand, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。もっと詳しく読んでみよう。Hontō da ne. Motto kuwashiku yonde miyō.It really is. Let's try reading more carefully.
- 健太 Kenta新しい概念を学ぶのは時間がかかるよ。Atarashii gainen o manabu no wa jikan ga kakaru yo.It takes time to learn a new concept.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、分かった時の快感は大きいよね。Demo, wakatta toki no kaikan wa ookii yo ne.But the feeling of finally getting it is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “concept” translations and entries 概念, 観念, コンセプト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
