現実世界
genjitsu sekai
The Japanese phrase for 'irl' (in real life) is 現実世界 (genjitsu sekai).
The term is used to distinguish between the physical world and virtual environments, such as social media or video games.
Meaning: in real life, in text messaging (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 現実 (genjitsu), meaning 'reality' and 世界 (sekai), meaning 'world'.
Which one should you use?
While 現実世界 is a descriptive and explicit way to say 'real world', you may encounter more casual versions in digital contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
現実世界 is a more formal and explicit way to express the concept compared to internet slang.
How do you pronounce it?
genjitsu sekai
Did you know?
- In Japanese internet slang, people who are living successful or happy 'irl' lives are called リア充 (riajuu). The term is often used with a hint of irony or envy by those who spend more time in virtual spaces.
- Meetings in the real world are often called オフ会 (ofu-kai), which literally treats the physical world as being 'offline'.
- The word 現実 (genjitsu) is frequently used in the phrase 現実逃避 (genjitsu touhi), which means 'escaping reality'. This refers to using hobbies, games or fantasies to avoid the stresses of the physical world.
Examples in context
- そろそろリアルで会おうよ！Let's meet up IRL soon!
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing the difference between online gaming and reality.
- 陽葵 Himariゲームの中と現実世界は全然違うよね。geemu no naka to genjitsu sekai wa zenzen chigau yo ne.The inside of a game and the real world are completely different, aren't they?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。現実世界の方がずっと難しいよ。sou da ne. genjitsu sekai no hou ga zutto muzukashii yo.That's true. The real world is much more difficult.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君は、現実世界ではどんな人なの？Ren-kun wa, genjitsu sekai de wa donna hito na no?Ren, what kind of person are you in real life?
- 蓮 Ren普通の大学生だよ。futsuu no daigakusei da yo.I'm just an ordinary university student.
