Translation guide
The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several nouns and phrases, each with different nuances and contexts.
Referring to the real situation, as opposed to what is imagined or hoped for.
The most common and direct translation for 'reality'. Used in everyday conversation and writing to contrast with ideals, dreams, or fiction.
Refers to the actual state or true condition of something, often used in formal or analytical contexts to uncover the reality behind appearances.
事件の実態を調査する。
Investigate the reality of the incident.
The real situation or circumstances, often used when discussing the actual conditions of a problem or issue.
被災地の実情を伝える。
Report on the reality of the disaster area.
Distinguishing the physical, non-digital world or the world outside of stories.
Literally 'real world', used to contrast with virtual reality, games, or fiction.
VRと現実世界の区別がつかなくなる。
Become unable to distinguish between VR and the real world.
Loanword from English 'real', used colloquially to mean 'real life' or 'in person', often in contrast to online or fictional contexts.
ネットの友達にリアルで会った。
I met my online friend in real life.
Adverbial use to introduce a fact that contrasts with a previous assumption or appearance.
Means 'in reality' or 'actually', used to state the real situation contrary to expectation.
彼は強そうに見えるが、実際にはとても優しい。
He looks tough, but in reality he is very kind.
Used to reveal a truth or fact, similar to 'actually' or 'the truth is'. Often used in conversation.
実は、私も同じことを考えていた。
Actually, I was thinking the same thing.
Similar to 実際には, but emphasizes the contrast with ideals or hopes.
理想は高いが、現実にはなかなか難しい。
The ideal is high, but in reality it's quite difficult.
Expressions for facing or acknowledging the real situation.
To accept reality. A common phrase for coming to terms with a situation.
彼はようやく現実を受け入れた。
He finally accepted reality.
To face reality, to see things as they are. Often used as advice.
そろそろ現実を見たほうがいい。
It's about time you faced reality.
Expressions for avoiding or escaping the real world.
Escapism; avoiding reality. A common compound noun.
ゲームは現実逃避の手段だ。
Games are a means of escaping reality.
現実 (げんじつ) is a noun meaning 'reality' as opposed to ideals or fiction. 実際 (じっさい) is often used adverbially as 実際に(は) to mean 'actually' or 'in practice'. 現実 is more about the state of being real, while 実際 focuses on factual occurrence.
現実は小説よりも奇なり。
Truth is stranger than fiction. (Reality is stranger than novels.)
実際に行ってみたら、とてもきれいだった。
When I actually went there, it was very beautiful.
While 現実 is the standard translation, it may sound too heavy or philosophical in casual contexts. For everyday 'actually' or 'in real life', use 実際には or リアルに.
リアルに言うと、それは無理だ。
To be real, that's impossible.