Translation guide
The concept of truth in Japanese can be expressed through several words and phrases, each with different nuances. The most common and versatile word is 真実 (shinjitsu), which refers to objective truth or reality. 事実 (jijitsu) means fact or actual occurrence. 本当 (hontō) is often used in everyday speech to mean 'true' or 'real'. Other expressions like 真理 (shinri) refer to universal or philosophical truth. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context.
Referring to the actual state of things, what really happened, or the true nature of something.
The most common and versatile word for 'truth'. It implies an objective reality or the true state of affairs, often with a sense of uncovering or revealing something hidden. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
真実を話してください。
Please tell me the truth.
彼は真実を知っている。
He knows the truth.
Means 'fact' or 'actual event'. It emphasizes verifiable, concrete facts rather than abstract truth. Often used in news, reports, or legal contexts.
Often used as an adjective or noun meaning 'true' or 'real'. In everyday conversation, it can replace 'truth' in phrases like 'Is that true?' or 'the truth is...'. Less formal than 真実.
Referring to an eternal, universal principle or a profound truth about life, existence, or nature.
Refers to universal truth, philosophical truth, or a fundamental principle. Often used in academic, religious, or spiritual contexts. Not used for everyday factual truth.
Referring to the quality of being truthful or honest in speech or character.
Emphasizing that something is not a lie or fabrication.
Used as a discourse marker to introduce a statement that reveals the real situation or one's true feelings.
Referring to the correct answer or the true statement in a multiple-choice or true/false context.
真実 (shinjitsu) is the most direct translation of 'truth' and implies an objective reality, often with a nuance of something hidden being revealed. 事実 (jijitsu) means 'fact' and is used for verifiable, concrete events. 本当 (hontō) is an everyday word meaning 'true' or 'real', and is often used in casual speech to ask or state if something is true. Use 真実 for serious or formal discussions about truth, 事実 for factual accuracy, and 本当 for everyday truthfulness.
真実はいつか明らかになる。
The truth will come out someday.
事実を確認してください。
Please check the facts.
本当？信じられない。
Really? I can't believe it.
実は、私も知らないんです。
The truth is, I don't know.
彼はついに真実を話した。
He finally told the truth.
Is that a fact?
事実に基づいて判断する。
Judge based on facts.
本当のことを言って。
Tell me the truth.
それは本当ですか？
Is that true?
彼は人生の真理を探求している。
He is searching for the truth of life.
科学は真理を追求する。
Science pursues truth.
Can also be used for profound truths, but 真理 is more specific to universal principles.
真実は時に残酷だ。
The truth is sometimes cruel.
Means sincerity, honesty, or faithfulness. It describes a person's character or attitude rather than factual truth. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は誠実な人だ。
He is an honest person.
誠実に答えてください。
Please answer honestly.
Means honesty, frankness. Commonly used in everyday speech to describe telling the truth or being straightforward.
正直に言うと、それは好きじゃない。
To tell the truth, I don't like it.
正直な意見を聞かせて。
Give me your honest opinion.
In casual conversation, 本当 is the most natural way to say 'truth' when contrasting with lies. Often used in the phrase 本当のことを言う (tell the truth).
嘘じゃない、本当だよ。
It's not a lie, it's the truth.
本当のことを言いなさい。
Tell the truth.
More formal than 本当, but can also be used in this sense, especially in serious contexts.
真実を隠すな。
Don't hide the truth.
A very common phrase meaning 'actually', 'in fact', or 'the truth is'. Used to reveal something previously unknown or to confess something.
実は、昨日彼に会ったんだ。
Actually, I met him yesterday.
実は、それがちょっと怖い。
To tell the truth, I'm a little scared of that.
Similar to 実は, but often implies a contrast with appearances or a hidden truth. Can be translated as 'the truth is' or 'actually'.
本当は行きたくない。
To tell the truth, I don't want to go.
本当は彼が犯人だ。
The truth is, he's the culprit.
Means 'correct answer'. In contexts like quizzes or true/false questions, 'truth' is often translated as 正解 or 正しい (correct).
この中でどれが真実ですか？ → 正解はBです。
Which of these is the truth? → The correct answer is B.
In logic or true/false contexts, 真 means 'true' as opposed to 偽 (false). Used in formal or technical settings.
この命題は真である。
This proposition is true.
Avoid directly translating 'truth' as 真理 (shinri) in everyday contexts. 真理 is reserved for philosophical or universal truths. Using it for simple factual truth can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Avoid directly translating 'truth' as 真理 (shinri) in everyday contexts. 真理 is reserved for philosophical or universal truths. Using it for simple factual truth can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.