Translation guide
The English word "real" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical uses and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Describing something that exists in reality, not fictional or imagined.
Used to describe things that exist in the real world, as opposed to dreams or fiction. Often used in phrases like "real life" or "real world."
Is that a real story?
In the real world, that kind of thing doesn't happen.
Emphasizes actual occurrence or fact, often used when contrasting with theory or appearance.
In reality, he didn't come.
Loanword from English, often used for realistic depictions in media, or in casual speech to mean 'real' as opposed to online/virtual.
The graphics in this game are real (realistic), aren't they?
Describing something authentic, not counterfeit or artificial.
The most common way to say something is genuine or the real thing. Works for objects, art, feelings, etc.
Emphasizing that something is not trivial or minor.
Used to stress the true nature or seriousness of something. 'Real reason', 'real problem', etc.
Intensifying an adjective or statement, like 'really' or 'truly'.
Referring to values adjusted for inflation, as in 'real GDP' or 'real wages'.
The loanword リアル is common in casual speech for 'realistic' or 'real-life' (as opposed to online), but it cannot replace 本物の or 現実の in most contexts. Using it for 'genuine' objects sounds unnatural.
This is a realistic bag. (unnatural if you mean genuine)
Is this a real diamond?
His kindness is real.
Often used for abstract concepts like 'true friend' or 'real intention'. More formal/literary than 本物.
He is a real friend.
Emphatic phrase meaning 'genuine' or 'authentic', often used for products or credentials.
This is a real brand-name item.
Please tell me the real reason.
This is the real problem.
Means 'serious' or 'earnest'. Used for real effort, real intention, or a real relationship.
He is looking for a real relationship.
The most common way to say 'really' or 'truly'. Can be used in almost any context.
Thank you so much. (lit. truly thank you)
That's really interesting.
Formal/literary way to say 'indeed' or 'truly'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
It's a truly beautiful view.
Very casual/slang way to say 'really' or 'seriously'. Common among young people.
That's really crazy!
Used as a prefix to mean 'real' in economic contexts. Often paired with terms like GDP, wages, etc.
Real GDP increased compared to last year.