厳密に言えば
genmitsu ni ieba
In Japanese, 'technically' can be expressed as 厳密に言えば (genmitsu ni ieba) when referring to precise facts.
The phrase 厳密に言えば is used when you want to say something 'technically speaking' or to clarify a point based on precise facts that might contradict a common belief. Depending on your specific meaning of 'technically', other Japanese terms may be more appropriate: use 技術的に to mean 'from a technical or technological perspective' and use 理論的に to focus on a 'theoretical or logical aspect'.
Meaning: based on precise facts, which however may be contrary to common misbelief or to a traditional name (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 厳密に言えば breaks down into 厳密 (strictness or precision), に (an adverbial particle) and 言えば (if one says).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is constructed using the conditional form of the verb 言う (to say), which creates the 'if/when' meaning of 'if one says' or 'speaking'.
How do you pronounce it?
genmitsu ni ieba
Did you know?
- The kanji 密 in 厳密 also means 'secret' or 'dense', suggesting that a 'technical' truth is one that is hidden within the dense details of a subject.
- While 'technically' in English can be used to correct a small detail, using 厳密に言えば in Japanese can sometimes sound like you are being intentionally pedantic or difficult.
- Using 厳密に言えば in a highly formal business setting can sometimes be perceived as 'pointing out a mistake', so speakers often add 恐縮ですが (I am sorry but) to the start of the sentence.
Examples in context
- 技術的には可能ですTechnically, it is possible
- 理論的には正しいですTechnically, it is correct
- 厳密に言えば、正確ではありませんTechnically speaking, it's not accurate
- 厳密に言えば、これは野菜ではなく果物です。genmitsu ni ieba, kore wa yasai dewa naku kudamono desu.Technically speaking, this is a fruit, not a vegetable.
- 厳密に言えば、彼はまだ学生です。genmitsu ni ieba, kare wa mada gakusei desu.Technically speaking, he is still a student.
- 厳密に言えば、このルールは適用されません。genmitsu ni ieba, kono ruuru wa tekiyou saremasen.Technically speaking, this rule does not apply.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing a friend's job status.
- 健太 Kenta彼はもう会社員ですよね？Kare wa mou kaishain desu yo ne?He is an office worker now, right?
- 結衣 Yui厳密に言えば、まだ研修生です。Genmitsu ni ieba, mada kenshusei desu.Technically speaking, he is still a trainee.
- 健太 Kentaそうなんですね、勘違いしていました。Sou nan desu ne, kanchigai shite imashita.I see, I was mistaken.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、細かい話ですが。Hai, komakai hanashi desu ga.Yes, it's a minor detail, though.
