Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'definition' in Japanese, from dictionary meanings to personal interpretations.
What is the definition of this word?
The explanation of what a word or term means.
The standard word for a formal definition, especially in academic or technical contexts.
Please tell me the definition of this word.
Means 'meaning' and is more common in everyday conversation when asking what something means.
Refers specifically to the meaning of a word, often used in dictionary contexts. More technical than 意味.
How clear and detailed a picture, video, or sound is.
Refers to resolution, the degree of detail in an image or display.
This TV has high definition.
Means picture quality, often used for videos and photos.
Refers to clarity or vividness, can be used for images, sound, or memories.
I was surprised by the definition of the photo.
How someone defines or explains a concept in their own words.
A common pattern for giving a personal definition or explanation. 'X means Y' or 'X is Y'.
For me, the definition of happiness is spending time with family.
Literally 'to define X as Y'. More formal and often used in writing.
定義 (teigi) is a formal, precise definition, like in a dictionary. 意味 (imi) is the general meaning or sense of a word. In casual conversation, 意味 is more common.
The definition of 'love' is difficult.
I don't understand the meaning of this sentence.
When talking about the clarity of an image or video, use 解像度 (kaizoudo) or 画質 (gashitsu), not 定義. 定義 is only for conceptual definitions.
The dictionary gives a clear definition.
What's your definition of success?
What is the meaning of this word?
Look up the word's definition in a dictionary.
A video with good definition.
He defined success as becoming rich.