Translation guide
The English word 'substantial' covers several related ideas: large in amount or size, physically solid or sturdy, important or meaningful, and real or tangible. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Describing something that is considerable, significant in quantity, or ample.
A versatile prenominal adjective meaning 'considerable' or 'substantial'. Used with nouns to indicate a large amount or degree.
A substantial amount of money was spent.
Substantial progress was observed.
Means 'considerable' or 'substantial', often implying a degree that is more than expected. Slightly formal.
Substantial effort is required.
Means 'great' or 'immense', used for abstract nouns like influence, effort, or damage. Formal.
It had a substantial influence.
Means 'sufficient' or 'ample'. Used when 'substantial' implies enough or more than enough.
There is substantial evidence.
Describing physical objects that are large, heavy, and well-constructed.
Means 'sturdy' or 'solidly built'. Commonly used for furniture, buildings, or objects that are physically robust.
This desk is of substantial construction.
A substantial bridge spans the river.
Describes something thick, solid, and sturdy, often with a sense of heaviness. Used for buildings, furniture, or body types.
A man of substantial build.
Implies a massive, weighty solidity. Often used for large objects or a stable, imposing presence.
A substantial desk.
Describing something that has real importance or value, not trivial.
The most common word for 'important' or 'significant'. Covers many uses of 'substantial' when meaning 'of substance'.
We discussed substantial issues.
Means 'substantive' or 'essential'. Used when contrasting with superficial or formal aspects.
Means 'meaningful' or 'significant'. Used for experiences, discussions, or contributions that have real value.
Describing something that is not imaginary or theoretical; having substance.
Literally 'having substance/entity'. Used for things that are real or tangible.
Ghosts are not substantial.
Means 'concrete' or 'tangible'. Often used for evidence, plans, or examples.
Means 'tangible' or 'corporeal'. Used in legal, business, or philosophical contexts.
substantial assets (tangible assets)
Describing a meal that is large, filling, or hearty.
A common phrase meaning 'voluminous' or 'hearty', used for meals. Borrowed from English 'volume'.
I had a substantial breakfast.
Means 'plenty of' or 'ample'. Used for generous portions.
A substantial salad.
Casual, often used for hearty, filling meals, especially by younger people.
I want a substantial ramen.
Both mean 'considerable', but かなりの is more neutral and common in speech. 相当な often implies a degree that is surprisingly high or more than expected, and is slightly more formal.
A substantial number of people gathered.
A surprisingly substantial number of people gathered.
Do not use 実質的な食事 (jisshitsuteki na shokuji) for 'substantial meal'. That would mean 'substantive meal' in a philosophical sense. Use ボリュームのある or たっぷりの instead.
We need a substantial discussion.
We spent a substantial (meaningful) time together.
Please provide substantial evidence.