具体的
gutaiteki[ɡɯ̟ta̠ite̞kʲi]
In Japanese, 'specific' is expressed as 具体的 (gutaiteki).
The term 具体的 is a formal way to describe something that is clearly defined or concrete.
Meaning: intended for, or applying to a particular thing (adj)
Which one should you use?
具体的 serves as the direct antonym to 抽象的 (chūshōteki), which means 'abstract'. In contrast, 特定の is a formal expression used in a specialized or targeted sense to refer to something selected from a particular group.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'specific' as an adverb, such as when saying 'speak specifically', you add に to the end of the word to form 具体的に.
How do you pronounce it?
gutaiteki
Did you know?
- The term 具体 (Gutai) is also the name of a famous 1950s avant-garde art movement. This group focused on the raw, 'concrete' reality of materials rather than painting abstract representations.
- In Japanese business communication, asking someone to be 具体的 is often a polite way of suggesting that their current explanation is too vague or confusing.
- The word 具体的 contains the character 体, which means 'body'. In Japanese, to be 'specific' literally involves making something possess a physical, bodily form.
Examples in context
- それはとても具体的な質問です。That's a very specific question.This sentence uses 具体的 to describe a question.Tatoeba #5132391 by pekerappo, translation #5132205 by CK
- 具体的に述べよう。Let me be specific.This sentence uses 具体的 to mean 'let me be specific'.
- 具体的に話して欲しい。I want specific information.This sentence uses 具体的 to express a desire for specific information.Tatoeba #179505 by mookeee, translation #18363 by J_S
- このプランの具体的な内容について教えてください。Please tell me the specific details of this plan.
- 私たちは特定の問題に焦点を当てる必要があります。We need to focus on specific issues.
- 明日の予定を具体的に話しましょう。Let's talk about tomorrow's plans specifically.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a new project at work.
- 健太 Kenta新しいプロジェクトについて、具体的なアイデアはある？Atarashii purojekuto ni tsuite, gutaiteki na aidea wa aru?Do you have any concrete ideas about the new project?
- 美咲 Misakiまだ具体的な案はまとまっていないの。Mada gutaiteki na an wa matomatte inai no.I haven't put together a concrete proposal yet.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、まずは具体的なスケジュールを決めておこう。Jaa, mazu wa gutaiteki na sukejūru o kimete okou.Then, let's decide on a concrete schedule first.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね、健太君の言う通りにするよ。Sō dane, Kenta-kun no iu tōri ni suru yo.You're right, I'll do as you say, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 具体的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 具体的, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
