実写
jissha[d͡ʑiɕːa̠]
The English phrase "live action" is translated into Japanese as 実写 (jissha).
実写 is a noun used to describe a video that has been produced by filming.
Meaning: video that has been produced by filming (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 実 (actual/real) and 写 (photograph/copy/depict), literally meaning "actual photography".
Which one should you use?
While 実写 is the standard term, you may encounter other variations. 実写版 specifically means a "live-action version" of something. In informal contexts, you might see リアル版 used to mean a "real-life version" or "live-action version".
How do you pronounce it?
jissha
Did you know?
- Because of the massive popularity of manga and anime, the phrase 実写版 is frequently used as a warning or a point of contention among fans, who often fear that a 'real' version cannot capture the stylized art of the original.
- In Japanese, the term 実写 is used even if the film uses heavy CGI and digital effects, as long as it features human actors rather than hand-drawn characters.
- The kanji 写 in 実写 is the same character used in the word 写真 (shashin), which means 'photograph'. This links the concept of live action directly to the medium of still photography in the Japanese mind.
Examples in context
- この実写化は原作ファンも納得です。Fans of the original will also be satisfied with this live-action adaptation.This sentence shows how the term 実写 can be used when discussing an adaptation that satisfies fans of the original work.Tatoeba #11029974 by small_snow, translation #11419038 by pip
- アニメではなく、実写の映画が見たいです。Anime dewa naku, jissha no eiga ga mitai desu.I want to see a live action movie, not an anime.
- これは実写版のゲームの映像です。Kore wa jissha-ban no geemu no eizou desu.This is footage from the live action version of the game.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing movies at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのアニメ、実写化されるらしいよ。Kono anime, jisshaka sareru rashii yo.I heard this anime is going to be a live action adaptation.
- 結衣 Yui本当？実写で見たら迫力がありそう！Hontou? Jissha de mitara hakuryoku ga arisou!Really? It would probably look much more powerful in live action!
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんは実写の映画、好き？Yui-san wa jissha no eiga, suki?Do you like live action movies, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui大好きだよ、大翔くん。Daisuki da yo, Hiroto-kun.I love them, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live action” translations and entries 実写, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
