Translation and Meaning of: 真実 - sana
The Japanese word 真実[さな] (shinjutsu or makoto) carries a deep weight in the language, representing concepts such as "truth," "reality," and "sincerity." If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can enrich your comprehension. In this article, we will explore everything from the kanji writing to the cultural context in which this word appears, including practical tips for memorization.
In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 真実 is classified as a commonly used word in philosophical, literary, and even everyday discussions. Its kanji, 真 (true) and 実 (reality), already convey part of the meaning, but there are interesting nuances in how the Japanese use it. Let’s uncover these layers below.
Meaning and writing of 真実
Shinjitsu is composed of two kanji: 真 (shin/makoto), which means "true" or "genuine," and 実 (jitsu/mi), associated with "reality" or "fruit." Together, they form the idea of "essential truth" or "concrete fact." The most common reading is しんじつ (shinjitsu), but まこと (makoto) also appears, especially in literary or poetic contexts.
It is worth noting that, while 真実 and 真理 (shinri, "absolute truth") may seem similar, the former is more related to objective facts, while the latter has a philosophical bias. This detail makes a difference when choosing which term to use in a conversation or text.
Everyday and cultural use
In daily life, Japanese people use 真実 to affirm indisputable facts, as in "真実を話す" (to tell the truth). However, in ethical discussions or journalistic articles, it takes on a more solemn tone, almost like a moral principle. TV series and manga often employ it in plots about family secrets or dramatic revelations.
Culturally, the valuing of sincerity in Japan means that 真実 appears in proverbs like "真実はいつか明るみに出る" (The truth always comes to light). Here, the word describes not just a fact, but a virtue. This dualism between objective reality and personal integrity is part of what makes it so rich.
Tips for memorization and curiosities
An effective way to 真実 is to associate its kanji 真 with authentic objects (like 本物 - honmono) and 実 with tangible things (like 果実 - kajitsu, "fruit"). Another method is to create flashcards with sentences like "彼は真実を隠した" (He hid the truth), which illustrate its practical use.
Interestingly, research from the National Institute of the Japanese Language shows that 真実 appears 3 times more in political debates than in informal conversations. This reflects its connection to discussions about transparency – useful information for anyone wanting to understand its significance in contemporary Japanese society.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 真相 (Shinsō) - The underlying truth or the reality behind a fact.
- 本当 (Hontō) - True; used to affirm the truth of something.
- 事実 (Jijitsu) - Fact; something that is objectively true or real.
- 実態 (Jittai) - The true condition or situation of something; the essence or the actual state.
- 実際 (Jissai) - In practice; it refers to reality or what actually happens.
- 真実性 (Shinjitsusei) - The quality of being true; authenticity.
Related words
Romaji: sana
Kana: さな
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: truth; reality
Meaning in English: truth;reality
Definition: be consistent with the facts.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (真実) sana
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (真実) sana:
Example Sentences - (真実) sana
See below some example sentences:
Akiraka ni natta shinjitsu wo uke toreru
Accept the truth that became clear.
Accepts the truth that was revealed.
- 明らかになった - adjective meaning "it became clear"
- 真実 - noun meaning "truth"
- を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
- 受け止める - verb meaning "to accept" or "to understand"
Shinjitsu wa itsuka kanarazu akiraka ni naru
The truth will always be revealed one day.
The truth will always come out someday.
- 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- いつか (itsuka) - someday
- 必ず (kanarazu) - Certainly
- 明らかに (akiraka ni) - clearly
- なる (naru) - will be
Kanojo wa shinjitsu o akashita
She revealed the truth.
She revealed the truth.
- 彼女 (kanojo) - she
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 明かした (akashita) - revealed
Jijitsu wa tsune ni shinjitsu o tsutaeru
Facts always convey the truth.
Facts always convey the truth.
- 事実 - fact, truth
- は - Topic particle
- 常に - always
- 真実 - truth, reality
- を - direct object particle
- 伝える - Transmit, communicate
Kono seimei wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru tame ni happyō sa remashita
This statement was released to convey the truth.
This statement was announced to convey the truth.
- この声明 - this declaration
- は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 真実 - truth
- を - particle that indicates the direct object
- 伝える - transmit
- ために - for
- 発表されました - was announced
Houdou wa shinjitsu wo tsutaeru koto ga juuyou desu
It is important to convey the truth in the press.
- 報道 - report, news
- は - Topic particle
- 真実 - truth
- を - direct object particle
- 伝える - Transmit, communicate
- こと - action noun
- が - subject particle
- 重要 - important
- です - verb to be in the polite form
Soko ni wa shinjitsu ga aru
There is the truth in the background.
- 底 (soko) - The word "fundo" in Japanese means "fund."
- に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the location of something
- は (wa) - another Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 真実 (shinjitsu) - means "truth" in Japanese
- が (ga) - a Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- ある (aru) - a Japanese verb that means "to exist"
- . (ponto) - a punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence
Kisha wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru sekinin ga aru
Reporters are responsible for conveying the truth.
- 記者 (kisha) - journalist
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 伝える (tsutaeru) - transmit
- 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
- が (ga) - subject particle
- ある (aru) - exist
Shōgen wa shinjitsu o kataru koto ga jūyō desu
Witness is important to tell the truth.
It is important to talk about the truth in testimony.
- 証言 - Testimony
- は - Topic particle
- 真実 - truth
- を - Direct object particle
- 語る - Speak
- こと - nominalizing noun
- が - Subject particle
- 重要 - Important
- です - polite way of being
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
