Translation guide
The English verb 'realize' covers two main ideas: becoming aware of something (often suddenly) and making something real or actual. This guide focuses on the first, more common meaning for learners, and briefly covers the second.
To suddenly understand or become conscious of a fact, situation, or feeling.
The most common and natural way to say 'realize' in the sense of noticing or becoming aware of something. Often used when you suddenly see something you hadn't noticed before.
間違いに気づいた。
I realized my mistake.
彼が嘘をついていることに気づかなかった。
I didn't realize he was lying.
Means 'understand' or 'come to know'. It can be used for 'realize' when the focus is on understanding a fact, often after some thought or explanation. Less sudden than 気づく.
やっと彼の言いたいことがわかった。
I finally realized what he meant.
自分が間違っていたとわかった。
I realized I was wrong.
Very similar to 気づく, but slightly more formal or emphatic. Often used when you become aware of something through your own senses or intuition.
外が暗くなっているのに気がついた。
I realized it had gotten dark outside.
Implies a deeper, often spiritual or profound realization. Used for 'realize' in the sense of perceiving a hidden truth or becoming enlightened. More literary or philosophical.
彼は自分の運命を悟った。
He realized his destiny.
To make a plan, dream, or ambition come true; to actualize something.
The standard translation for 'realize' in the sense of making something happen or come true. Used for plans, dreams, goals, etc.
夢を実現するために努力している。
I'm working hard to realize my dream.
その計画は実現しなかった。
The plan was never realized.
Often used for wishes, dreams, or desires. Implies a more personal or emotional fulfillment.
To fully comprehend a situation or fact, often after a period of not knowing.
Means 'understand' or 'comprehend'. Used when you realize the meaning or significance of something. More formal than わかる.
彼は問題の深刻さを理解していなかった。
He didn't realize the seriousness of the problem.
To realize something through bitter experience; to be made acutely aware of something, often unpleasant. Has a nuance of regret or painful awareness.
自分の無力を思い知った。
I realized my own powerlessness.
気づく is for sudden, often sensory awareness (noticing something). わかる is for understanding that comes from thinking or being told. Use 気づく when you spot something; use わかる when you figure something out.
財布がないことに気づいた。
I realized my wallet was gone. (sudden notice)
説明を聞いてやっとわかった。
I finally realized after hearing the explanation. (understanding)
実現する only means 'realize' in the sense of making something happen. Using it for 'I realized my mistake' would be incorrect and confusing.
彼女はついに夢を叶えた。
She finally realized her dream.