Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'definition' in Japanese, from dictionary meanings to personal interpretations.
この言葉の定義は何ですか？
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.
この言葉の定義を教えてください。
Please tell me the definition of this word.
Means 'meaning' and is more common in everyday conversation when asking what something means.
この単語の意味は何ですか？
What is the meaning of this word?
Refers specifically to the meaning of a word, often used in dictionary contexts. More technical than 意味.
辞書で語義を調べる。
Look up the word's definition in a dictionary.
How clear and detailed a picture, video, or sound is.
Refers to resolution, the degree of detail in an image or display.
このテレビは解像度が高い。
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.
写真の鮮明さに驚いた。
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'.
私にとって幸せとは、家族と過ごすことだ。
For me, the definition of happiness is spending time with family.
Literally 'to define X as Y'. More formal and often used in writing.
彼は成功を金持ちになることと定義した。
He defined success as becoming rich.
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.
「愛」の定義は難しい。
The definition of 'love' is difficult.
この文の意味がわからない。
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.
その辞書は明確な定義を与えている。
The dictionary gives a clear definition.
あなたにとって成功の定義は何ですか？
What's your definition of success?
A video with good definition.