Translation guide
Describes something that accurately represents reality, such as a story, depiction, or performance. The most common Japanese expressions are リアルな and 真に迫った.
To say that a story, movie, painting, or description feels authentic and accurately reflects real life.
A common loanword meaning 'realistic' or 'true to life'. Used for stories, games, art, etc.
The depiction in that movie was very true to life.
Literally 'approaching truth', used for performances or descriptions that feel intensely real.
His acting was true to life.
Means 'realistic' in the sense of faithful representation, often used for visual arts or literature.
Means 'has a sense of reality', used when something feels plausible or lifelike.
A more literary term meaning 'vividly realistic' or 'lifelike', often used in formal writing.
This painting is true to life, just like a photograph.
The characters in that novel feel true to life.
The description is so true to life that readers feel as if they are at the scene.