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."
それは現実の話ですか？
Is that a real story?
現実の世界ではそんなことは起こらない。
In the real world, that kind of thing doesn't happen.
Emphasizes actual occurrence or fact, often used when contrasting with theory or appearance.
実際のところ、彼は来なかった。
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.
このゲームのグラフィックはリアルだね。
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.
これは本物のダイヤモンドですか？
Is this a real diamond?
彼の優しさは本物だ。
His kindness is real.
Emphasizing that something is not trivial or minor.
Used to stress the true nature or seriousness of something. 'Real reason', 'real problem', etc.
本当の理由を教えてください。
Please tell me the real reason.
これが本当の問題だ。
This is the real problem.
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.
これはリアルなバッグだ。
This is a realistic bag. (unnatural if you mean genuine)
Often used for abstract concepts like 'true friend' or 'real intention'. More formal/literary than 本物.
彼は真の友達だ。
He is a real friend.
Emphatic phrase meaning 'genuine' or 'authentic', often used for products or credentials.
これは正真正銘のブランド品です。
This is a real brand-name item.
Means 'serious' or 'earnest'. Used for real effort, real intention, or a real relationship.
彼は真剣な交際を求めている。
He is looking for a real relationship.
The most common way to say 'really' or 'truly'. Can be used in almost any context.
本当にありがとう。
Thank you so much. (lit. truly thank you)
それは本当に面白い。
That's really interesting.
Formal/literary way to say 'indeed' or 'truly'. Often used in writing or formal speech.
実に美しい景色だ。
It's a truly beautiful view.
Very casual/slang way to say 'really' or 'seriously'. Common among young people.
マジでやばい！
That's really crazy!
Used as a prefix to mean 'real' in economic contexts. Often paired with terms like GDP, wages, etc.
実質GDPは去年より増えた。
Real GDP increased compared to last year.