Japanese word

リアル

Pronunciation

Romajiriaru

Meaning

  • na-adjectiverealistic

Example

この絵はリアルです。ko no e wa ri a ru de su

This picture is realistic.

Illustration for リアル (realistic)

More examples

この模型は本物のようにリアルに見えます。ko no mo kei wa hon mono no yō ni ri a ru ni mi e ma su

This model looks real.

Core concept

Refers to a quality that makes something seem true to life and close to the real world.

Common phrases

  • リアルな動きri a ru na ugo ki

    realistic movement

  • リアルな体験ri a ru na tai ken

    realistic experience

  • リアルに感じるri a ru ni kan ji ru

    feel real

Similar words

現実的genjitsuteki: Describes an idea or plan that matches real conditions and is practical to carry out.

Definition in Japanese

本物に近く、現実にありそうな感じがするさま。hon mono ni chika ku gen jitsu ni a ri sō na kan ji ga su ru sa ma

Word origin

リアル (riaru, "real") comes from English real, ultimately derived from Latin realis, meaning "of things".

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses リアル (riaru) especially for lifelike details in pictures, sounds, and stories, giving the word a narrower everyday use than English real.

Other meanings

  • realna-adjective

Opposites

  • 非現実的higenjitsutekiunrealisticna-adjective

Related words

  • リアル感riarukansense of realismnoun
  • リアリティーriaritīrealismnoun

Word lists with this word