エピファニー
epifanī
The English phrase epiphany is translated into Japanese as エピファニー (epifanī).
The katakana form エピファニー is primarily used in academic, psychological or literary contexts to describe a sudden, profound realization.
Meaning: illuminating realization or discovery (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the Japanese term 公現祭 when specifically referring to the Christian feast day, whereas エピファニー is used for the general concept of a sudden realization.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
epifanī
Did you know?
- If discussing a sudden realization in a casual setting, one might say ピンときた (pin to kita), which mimics the sound of something clicking into place.
- The concept of a 'moment of truth' or epiphany is sometimes captured by the phrase 目から鱗が落ちる (me kara uroko ga ochiru), meaning 'scales falling from one's eyes'.
- The word 悟り 'satori', often linked to the idea of epiphany, is used in Japanese slang to describe someone who has 'given up' on societal expectations to find peace, known as さとり世代 'satori generation'.
Examples in context
- 私は最近、仕事において大きな悟りを得ました。I recently had a significant epiphany at work.
- アハ体験をした瞬間、本当にビックリしましたよ！I was really surprised at the moment when I had an epiphany!
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a sudden breakthrough in a project.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮、いいアイデアを思いついたよ！Ren, ii aidea o omoitsuita yo!Ren, I just thought of a great idea!
- 蓮 Ren本当？どうやって思いついたの？Hontō? Dō yatte omoitsuita no?Really? How did you come up with it?
- 美咲 Misaki散歩していた時にエピファニーがあったんだ。Sanpo shite ita toki ni epifanii ga atta nda.I had an epiphany while I was taking a walk.
- 蓮 Renそれはすごいね。詳しく教えて。Sore wa sugoi ne. Kuwashiku oshiete.That's amazing. Tell me more about it.
