Translation and Meaning of: 実用 - jitsuyou

The Japanese word 実用[じつよう] is a term that frequently appears in everyday contexts, business, and even in discussions about Eastern philosophy. If you are studying Japanese or curious about the meaning and use of this expression, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will explore its translation and origin, as well as how it is applied in Japanese culture, including tips for memorization and practical examples. Here at Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you will find accurate information to master like this.

Meaning and Translation of 実用

Jitsuyou is composed of two kanji: 実 (jitsu), which means "reality" or "truth," and 用 (you), which translates as "use" or "utilization." Together, they form the idea of "practical use" or "real application." Unlike theoretical , じつよう is connected to concrete functionality, something that has utility in everyday life.

In Portuguese, the closest translation would be "practical" or "utilitarian," but the meaning goes beyond that. In Japan, products, ideas, or methods described as 実用的 are those that efficiently solve problems, without unnecessary embellishments. For example, a mobile phone with a long-lasting battery can be called 実用的, while a model filled with useless features cannot.

Origin and Cultural Context

The combination of the kanjis 実 and 用 dates back to the period when Japan assimilated Chinese characters, adapting them to its own language. While in China these ideograms already carried notions of pragmatism, in Japan the term gained local nuances. The valuing of efficiency in Japanese culture, evident in concepts like "kaizen" (continuous improvement), reinforces the weight of じつよう.

In Japanese society, being 実用的 is a virtue. From early childhood education to the corporate environment, there is an encouragement for solutions that combine simplicity and functionality. This explains why the word is common in manuals, ments, and even in critiques of overrated products. A curious example: 100円 (hyaku-en) stores are ired precisely for selling 実用的 items at affordable prices.

How to Use 実用 in Sentences

To correctly apply じつよう, it is essential to understand its role as an adjective in the form 実用的な or as a noun. In sentences like "このバッグはとても実用的です" (This bag is very practical), the term emphasizes the functionality of the object. In abstract contexts, such as "理論より実用を重んじる" (To value practice more than theory), it contrasts with purely theoretical ideas.

A tip for memorization: associate 実用 with objects or situations from your daily life that prioritize practicality. For example, think of a Swiss army knife or an app that simplifies tasks. This connection with tangible examples helps to reinforce the meaning without having to memorize lists.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 実践 (jissen) - Practice; the execution of something in a real situation.
• 実例 (jitsurei) - Practical example; a concrete demonstration.
• 実地 (jitchi) - In the field; conducted in a real situation, outside the theoretical environment.
• 実行 (jikkou) - Execution; the action of putting something into practice.
• 実用的 (jitsuyouteki) - Practical; focused on utility and real application.
• 実用化 (jitsuyouka) - Commercialization; the process of making something practical and commercially viable.