noun
hyperreality; surrealism
Refers to a state or concept where reality and simulation are indistinguishable, or to surrealistic art and thought. Often used in philosophical, artistic, or media contexts.
現代社会は超現実の時代だと言われる。
Modern society is said to be an age of hyperreality.
彼の絵画は超現実の世界を描いている。
His paintings depict a surreal world.
現実 means 'reality' in a straightforward sense, whereas 超現実 implies a transcendence or distortion of ordinary reality.
Compound of 超 (chō, 'super-', 'hyper-') and 現実 (genjitsu, 'reality'). The term likely emerged in the 20th century to translate Western concepts of hyperreality and surrealism.