現実
genjitsu[ɡẽ̞ɲ̟d͡ʑit͡sɨ]
The English word 'reality' is translated into Japanese as 現実 (genjitsu).
現実 refers to the entirety of all that is real or the current state of affairs. You can use the phrase 現実の状況 to emphasize the concrete aspects of reality, or 実際の状況 to refer to the actual situation or factual state of affairs.
Meaning: entirety of all that is real (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 現実 refers to objective reality or the current state of affairs, the word 真実 refers to the 'truth' in the sense of factual correctness or a revealed secret.
How do you pronounce it?
genjitsu
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific phrase 現実を突きつける which literally means 'to thrust reality' at someone, used when someone is forced to face a harsh truth.
- The word 現実 is composed of two characters: 現 meaning 'appear' and 実 meaning 'fruit' or 'truth'.
- The concept of 'reality' in 《現実》 often carries a heavy nuance of 'the harshness of life' compared to the more neutral English 'reality'.
Examples in context
- これは現実です。This is reality.This sentence is useful for stating that something is reality using 現実.Tatoeba #3225625 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #3224692 by CM
- 現実を直視すべきだ。You should face reality.This sentence is useful for saying one should face reality using 現実.Tatoeba #174861 by small_snow, translation #239606 by CK
- 現実を直視するべきだ。We have to face reality.This sentence is useful for saying one has to face reality using 現実.Tatoeba #174860 by bunbuku, translation #10674446 by CK
- 現実は時折厳しいけれど、それが成長のチャンスでもある。Reality can be harsh at times, but it can also be an opportunity for growth.
- 現実の状況を冷静に分析しなければならない。We must analyze the reality of the situation calmly.
- 最近のモバイルゲームはリアルすぎて、本当の人生のような気分になるんだ。Recent mobile games are so realistic that they make you feel like you're living a real life.
- 実際の状況を把握するためには、正確な情報が必要です。Accurate information is necessary to grasp the actual situation.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a difficult situation in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui厳しい現実を知る必要があるよ。Kibishii genjitsu o shiru hitsuyou ga aru yo.We need to know the harsh reality.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、逃げても仕方ない。Sou da ne, nigetemo shikatanai.You're right, there's no point in running away.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、一緒に頑張ろう。Yota, issho ni ganbarou.Yota, let's work hard together.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、結衣、よろしく頼むよ。Un, Yui, yoroshiku tanomu yo.Yeah, Yui, I'm counting on you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reality” translations and entries 現実, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
