現象
genshō[ɡẽ̞ɰ̃ɕo̞ː]
The Japanese word for phenomenon is 現象 (genshō).
現象 is used to describe an observable fact or occurrence. It is the most common way to express the concept of a phenomenon in Japanese.
Meaning: observable fact or occurrence (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 現 (gen), meaning 'present' or 'actual' and 象 (shō), meaning 'phenomenon' or 'image'.
Which one should you use?
While 現象 is the general term for a phenomenon, 事象 (jishō) is also used to mean phenomenon. 事象 refers to a specific occurrence or event and carries a more objective and scientific tone.
How do you pronounce it?
genshō
Did you know?
- The kanji 象 in 現象 is the same character used for the word 'elephant'.
- In Japanese, the term 社会現象 (shakai genshō) is frequently used to describe a viral 'social phenomenon' like a sudden nationwide craze for a toy or fashion trend.
- In Buddhist contexts, 現象 is used to distinguish the 'phenomenal world' of temporary appearances from the 'absolute' or true nature of existence.
Examples in context
- 虹は自然現象である。A rainbow is a natural phenomenon.This sentence shows how to use 現象 to describe a rainbow as a natural phenomenon.Tatoeba #122964 by small_snow, translation #281038 by CM
- 見たことない現象だ。It's a phenomenon I've never seen before.This sentence uses 現象 to describe an occurrence that has never been seen before.Tatoeba #10990227 by small_snow, translation #13155892 by atitarev
- オーロラは極地に特有の現象です。The aurora is a phenomenon characteristic of the polar regions.This sentence uses 現象 to describe the aurora as a phenomenon characteristic of the polar regions.Tatoeba #227763 by KK_kaku_, translation #65116 by patgfisher
- 自然現象Natural phenomenon
- 社会事象Social phenomenon
- 現象学の基礎Basics of phenomenology
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are discussing a science documentary.
- 大翔 Hiroto不思議な現象だよね。fushigina genshō da yo ne.It's a mysterious phenomenon, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当に。どうしてそうなるの？hontō ni. dōshite sō naru no?Really. Why does that happen?
- 大翔 Hiroto科学的に説明できる現象らしいよ。kagakuteki ni setsumei dekiru genshō rashii yo.Apparently, it's a phenomenon that can be explained scientifically.
- 結衣 Yuiもっと詳しく知りたいな。motto kuwashiku shiritai na.I want to know more about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phenomenon” translations and entries 現象, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
