Japanese word

理論

Pronunciation

Romajiriron

Meaning

  • nountheory

Example

この理論は面白いです。ko no ri ron wa omo shiro i de su

This theory is interesting.

Illustration for 理論 (theory)

More examples

科学者たちは新しい理論を発表しました。ka gaku sha ta chi wa atara shi i ri ron o hap pyō shi ma shi ta

Scientists announced a new theory.

Core concept

Describes an organized way of explaining how or why something works, based on connected ideas and evidence.

Common phrases

  • 理論を学ぶri ron o mana bu

    study theory

  • 理論に基づくri ron ni moto zu ku

    be based on theory

  • 理論を立てるri ron o ta te ru

    formulate a theory

Similar words

学説gakusetsu: A set of ideas that explains a subject in an academic field.
仮説kasetsu: An idea offered as a possible explanation that can be tested.
理屈rikutsu: A reasoned explanation for why something is true or acceptable.

Definition in Japanese

物事の仕組みや成り立ちを筋道立てて説明するための考え方。mono goto no shi ku mi ya na ri ta chi o suji michi ta te te setsu mei su ru ta me no kanga e kata

Word origin

理論 (riron) combines 理 (ri, "reason") and 論 (ron, "discussion"), forming a word for an organized explanation of how or why something works.

Usage tips

  • The word theory can describe an explanation in ordinary conversation or a carefully tested system of ideas in an academic field.

Opposites

Related words

  • 理論的rirontekitheoreticalna-adjective
  • 理論家rironkatheoristnoun

Word lists with this word