A fact is an objective, verifiable event, distinct from personal belief.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to events that actually occurred or exist.
- Used to distinguish objective reality from opinions.
- Essential for formal and academic communication.
Overview
- 1概要：事実は、個人の主観や感情を排した「実際に存在・発生したこと」を意味します。客観的な真実を述べる際に不可欠な言葉です。2) 使用パターン：名詞として独立して使うほか、「事実を認める」「事実と異なる」のように動詞と組み合わせて使います。「事実上（ふじつじょう）」という副詞的な使い方も一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：ニュース報道、裁判、科学的な議論、ビジネスの報告など、正確性が求められる場面で頻繁に使われます。4) 類語比較：「真実」は「嘘ではないこと」や「本質的な真理」というニュアンスが強く、「事実」よりも哲学的な響きがあります。「現実」は「今現在、実際に目の前にある状態」を指し、過去の出来事である事実とは時間軸の捉え方が異なります。
Examples
これは動かしがたい事実です。
everydayThis is an undeniable fact.
事実を確認する必要があります。
formalWe need to verify the facts.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
事実無根
groundless; baseless
事実上
in effect; practically
Often Confused With
Refers to the 'truth' or the real state of things, often with moral or philosophical implications. It is more subjective than the cold, hard data of a 'fact'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Jijitsu is a formal and objective term. It is widely used in business, legal, and news contexts. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are making a strong point.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse it with 'shinjitsu' (truth). Remember that 'jijitsu' is about what happened, while 'shinjitsu' is about what is genuinely true or real.
Tips
Use with verbs like confirming or accepting
Combine with verbs such as 'mitomeru' (admit) or 'kakunin suru' (confirm) to sound more professional. This makes your statements appear grounded in evidence.
Avoid using facts for personal opinions
Never use 'jijitsu' to support a purely subjective opinion. Doing so can make you seem manipulative or overly aggressive in an argument.
Japanese preference for objective reporting
In Japanese culture, explicitly stating 'jijitsu' helps maintain a polite distance. It frames the conversation around logic rather than personal emotion.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Japanese characters: 'Ji' (matter/thing) and 'Jitsu' (truth/reality). It literally means 'the truth of the matter'.
Cultural Context
In Japan, distinguishing between 'honne' (true feelings) and 'tatemae' (public stance) makes the word 'jijitsu' very important for establishing what is actually true in a neutral way.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Jijitsu' as 'Ji' (time/matter) + 'Jitsu' (real/truth). It is the real matter that happened at a specific time.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions事実は「客観的に起きた出来事」を指しますが、真実は「物事の本当のあり方や嘘ではないこと」を指します。事実は証拠で証明可能ですが、真実はより道徳的または本質的な重みを持つことが多いです。
ニュースの報道やビジネスの報告書、公的な文書など、客観的な情報を伝える場面で使われます。個人の感想を述べる際にはあまり適していません。
法律や公的な定義とは少し違うが、実質的にはその通りであるという意味です。例えば「事実上のリーダー」は、肩書きはないが実質的にみんなをまとめている人を指します。
Test Yourself
それは私たちが知っている___とは異なります。
文脈上、客観的な事象と異なることを示しているため、事実が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
A fact is an objective, verifiable event, distinct from personal belief.
- Refers to events that actually occurred or exist.
- Used to distinguish objective reality from opinions.
- Essential for formal and academic communication.
Use with verbs like confirming or accepting
Combine with verbs such as 'mitomeru' (admit) or 'kakunin suru' (confirm) to sound more professional. This makes your statements appear grounded in evidence.
Avoid using facts for personal opinions
Never use 'jijitsu' to support a purely subjective opinion. Doing so can make you seem manipulative or overly aggressive in an argument.
Japanese preference for objective reporting
In Japanese culture, explicitly stating 'jijitsu' helps maintain a polite distance. It frames the conversation around logic rather than personal emotion.
Examples
2 of 2これは動かしがたい事実です。
This is an undeniable fact.
事実を確認する必要があります。
We need to verify the facts.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
