普遍的
fuhen-teki[ɸɯ̟hẽ̞nte̞kʲi]
The English word "universal" is translated to Japanese as 普遍的 (fuhen-teki).
普遍的 is an adjective used to describe something that is common to all members of a group or class.
Meaning: common to all members of a group or class (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 普遍的 refers to something that is universally true or applicable, it is distinct from 万能, which means "all-purpose" or "versatile".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an attributive adjective before a noun, the suffix -teki (的) in 普遍的 often changes to -teki na (的な), resulting in 普遍的な. The noun form of this adjective is 普遍性 (universality).
How do you pronounce it?
fuhen-teki
Did you know?
- While 普遍的 refers to an abstract universality, the term 宇宙的 (uchūteki) is used when something is 'universal' in the sense of relating to the entire cosmos.
- The character 普 in 普遍的 also appears in 普通 (futsū), meaning 'ordinary' or 'normal'. This links the concept of 'universal' to that which is 'common'.
- Japanese has several words for 'universal' depending on the field, such as 汎用 (hanyō) for 'universal' or 'general-purpose' in computing and engineering.
Examples in context
- へんてこな価値観が、彼の考え方の中で普遍化した。His eccentric values became universal in his way of thinking.
- それは普遍的な真理だ。Sore wa fuhenteki na shinri da.That is a universal truth.
- 普遍的な価値を持つ芸術。Fuhenteki na kachi o motsu geijutsu.Art that holds universal value.
- この理論には普遍的な性質がある。Kono riron ni wa fuhenteki na seishitsu ga aru.This theory has universal properties.
Example conversation
A student and a teacher are discussing a philosophy book.
- 健太 Kentaこの哲学は普遍的だと思いますか？Kono tetsugaku wa fuhenteki da to omoimasu ka?Do you think this philosophy is universal?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、非常に普遍的な考え方です。Hai, hijō ni fuhenteki na kangaekata desu.Yes, it is a very universal way of thinking.
- 健太 Kenta時代を超えて通用しますね。Jidai o koete tsūyō shimasu ne.It applies across different eras, doesn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariその通りですね。Sono tōri desu ne.Exactly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “universal” translations and entries 普遍的, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
