It describes something that relates to society, public life, or the way people interact in a community.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Relating to society or human interaction.
- Used to describe public or collective matters.
- Common in formal and academic contexts.
Overview
- 1概要：「社会的な」は、名詞「社会」に接尾辞「的」がついた形容動詞です。個人ではなく、集団や社会全体、あるいは公共の場に関連する事柄を指します。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する形（社会的な問題）や、述語として使う形（それは社会的な義務だ）で頻繁に使用されます。客観的な視点や、公的な責任を強調する際に非常に便利な言葉です。3) 一般的な文脈：ニュースやビジネス、学術的な議論など、少し硬い表現が必要な場面でよく使われます。「社会的な地位」「社会的な影響」などのフレーズが代表的です。4) 類語との比較：「公的な（public）」は行政や公式な場に重点がありますが、「社会的な」は社会全体や人間関係のネットワークという広い意味を含みます。また、「集団的な（collective）」は特定のグループに限定されることが多いですが、「社会的な」はより広範な文明社会全体を指すことが多いです。
Examples
彼は社会的な地位が高い。
everydayHe has a high social status.
これは社会的な責任を伴う仕事です。
formalThis is a job that involves social responsibility.
もっと社会的な活動に参加したい。
informalI want to participate in more social activities.
社会的な格差が拡大している。
academicSocial inequality is widening.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
社会的な影響
Social impact
社会的な孤立
Social isolation
社会的な役割
Social role
Often Confused With
Refers to official, governmental, or public sector matters. It is more formal and specific than the broader term 'social'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal or intellectual contexts. It carries a sense of objectivity and seriousness. In casual conversation, it might sound like you are giving a lecture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to mean 'sociable' (a person who likes people). However, '社会的な' refers to the structure of society, not the personality trait of being outgoing. Use '社交的' for 'sociable'.
Tips
Use with nouns for higher precision
Combine it with nouns like '地位' (status) or '影響' (impact). This makes your Japanese sound more professional and precise.
Avoid overuse in casual speech
Using this word in very casual settings can sound overly formal or stiff. Use simpler words like 'みんなの' or '世の中の' in casual talks.
Emphasis on collective harmony
In Japanese culture, 'social' often implies responsibility toward the community. It reflects the value placed on collective harmony over individual interests.
Word Origin
Derived from '社会' (society) and '的' (suffix meaning -like or -al). It follows standard Japanese word-formation rules for Sino-Japanese compounds.
Cultural Context
Reflecting the importance of the 'group' in Japanese society, this word is used to frame issues as matters of collective concern rather than just individual problems.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Society' + 'Target'. It targets the society as a whole, not just one individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「公的な」は国や自治体などの公式な機関に関わることを指します。一方、「社会的な」はより広く、社会全体の仕組みや人々の関わり合いを指す言葉です。
社会との関わりを大切にし、他者と協力して生きる能力が高い人を指します。また、世間体や周囲の評価を気にしやすい性格を指すこともあります。
はい、使えますが、少し硬い響きがあるため、ニュースの話題や真面目な議論の際によく使われます。友達との軽い会話ではあまり使いません。
環境問題、貧困、格差、高齢化など、個人ではなく社会全体で解決すべき課題を指します。ニュースで非常に頻繁に使われるフレーズです。
Test Yourself
環境問題は現代の___課題です。
環境問題は個人ではなく社会全体で取り組むべき課題であるため、「社会的な」が最適です。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes something that relates to society, public life, or the way people interact in a community.
- Relating to society or human interaction.
- Used to describe public or collective matters.
- Common in formal and academic contexts.
Use with nouns for higher precision
Combine it with nouns like '地位' (status) or '影響' (impact). This makes your Japanese sound more professional and precise.
Avoid overuse in casual speech
Using this word in very casual settings can sound overly formal or stiff. Use simpler words like 'みんなの' or '世の中の' in casual talks.
Emphasis on collective harmony
In Japanese culture, 'social' often implies responsibility toward the community. It reflects the value placed on collective harmony over individual interests.
Examples
4 of 4彼は社会的な地位が高い。
He has a high social status.
これは社会的な責任を伴う仕事です。
This is a job that involves social responsibility.
もっと社会的な活動に参加したい。
I want to participate in more social activities.
社会的な格差が拡大している。
Social inequality is widening.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
