Translation guide
The English word "substance" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean physical material, essential content, importance, or reality.
Referring to a type of matter, material, or stuff with physical properties.
The most common and general term for a physical substance, used in science and everyday contexts.
This substance dissolves easily in water.
A harmful substance was detected.
A very general word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Can be used for substances in casual contexts, but is less precise than 物質.
What is this white substance?
Refers to a physical object or body, often with a defined shape. Used in physics or when emphasizing the object rather than the material.
The substance was floating in the air.
Referring to the most important ideas, facts, or meaning of something, as opposed to its form or superficial aspects.
The content or substance of a speech, document, discussion, etc. Emphasizes what is actually said or written.
His speech lacked substance.
The real substance or essence, often contrasted with appearance or formality. Implies something substantial and meaningful.
Literally 'contents' or 'insides'. Used metaphorically for the substance or real meaning of something, often in contrast to appearance.
Describing something as having importance, weight, or being meaningful.
Directly means 'importance'. Use when 'substance' means 'significance'.
This issue has great substance.
An adjective phrase meaning 'substantial' or 'meaningful'. Often used to describe discussions, work, or relationships.
We had a discussion of substance.
Literally 'weight', used figuratively for substance, gravity, or significance.
Referring to something that is real, tangible, or has actual existence, as opposed to being imaginary or illusory.
When 'substance' means importance or meaningful content, do not use 物質 (physical substance). Choose 内容, 実質, or 重要性 depending on the nuance.
内容 refers to the actual content or details (e.g., of a speech). 実質 emphasizes the real essence or substance as opposed to superficial form. 実質 is often used in phrases like 実質的に (in substance) or 実質がない (lacking substance).
Please check the substance of the report.
その計画は実質が伴っていない。
The plan lacks substance.
彼の提案は中身が薄い。
His proposal lacks substance.
His words have substance.
His plan lacks substance.