Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 真実 | shinjitsu | [ɕĩɲ̟d͡ʑit͡sɨ] (narrow) [ɕĩɲ̟d͡ʑit͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| 事実 | jijitsu | [d͡ʑiʑit͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 本当 | hontō | [hõ̞nto̞ː] (narrow) [hõ̞nto̞] (narrow) |
| 真理 | shinri | [ɕĩn̺ɾʲi] (narrow) |
The word 'truth' in Japanese varies significantly based on whether you are discussing objective data, a deep emotional reality, a philosophical principle or a casual statement of fact.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 真実 is composed of the characters for 'true' (真) and 'reality/substance' (実).
Which one should you use?
Use 事実 when referring to objective, verifiable facts or data. In contrast, 真実 refers to a deeper, often more abstract or emotional 'truth'. For universal truths, philosophical principles or scientific laws, use 真理. Finally, 本当 is used in casual conversation to mean 'the truth' or 'the real thing', often functioning as an adjective or adverb.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask 'Is that true?' or 'Really?' in a polite way, you can use the phrase 本当ですか.
How do you pronounce it?
shinjitsu
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, stating a 事実 (fact) can sometimes be seen as cold or aggressive if the 真実 (emotional truth) of the situation is ignored.
- The characters in 真実 are also used as given names for people in Japan.
- While 'truth' is often about facts, the concept is deeply linked to the word 心 (kokoro), which means 'heart' or 'sincerity' in Japanese.
Examples in context
- 本当ですよ。It's the truth.The sentence using 本当 is useful for confirming that something is indeed the truth.Tatoeba #81564 by bunbuku, translation #560933 by darinmex
- 真実が必要だ。I need the truth.The sentence using 真実 shows how to express a need for the truth.Tatoeba #9836541 by MsFixer, translation #2387546 by CK
- 真実が知りたい。I want the truth.The sentence using 真実 is useful for expressing a desire to know the truth.Tatoeba #3366911 by arnab, translation #2549383 by CK
- 彼の言葉は真実だ。His words are true.
- 真実を追究することは大切です。It is important to seek the truth.
- 彼の言葉は本当だよ。His words are true, you know.
- 本当の友達って大事だよね。True friends are important, aren't they?
- 210 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a mysterious old story.
- 健太 Kentaこの物語に隠された真実を突き止めたい。Kono monogatari ni kakusareta shinjitsu o tsukitometai.I want to uncover the truth hidden in this story.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、それは危険な道ですよ。Demo, sore wa kiken na michi desu yo.But that is a dangerous path.
- 健太 Kenta真実こそがすべてを解決するはずだ。Shinjitsu koso ga subete o kaiketsu suru hazu da.The truth should be what solves everything.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは本当に情熱的ですね。Kenta-san wa hontō ni jōnetsuteki desu ne.Kenta, you are truly passionate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “truth” translations and entries 真実, 事実, 本当, 真理, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 本当, 真実, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
