実相

• Reading: じっそう
• Romaji: jissō
• Kanji breakdown: 実 (jitsu/mi) — true, real, fruit; 相 (sō) — appearance, form, aspect
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑissoː/

Meaning

True nature; reality; actual state. The real form of things as they actually are.

A formal noun used in Buddhist philosophy and literary Japanese to describe the true nature of reality as opposed to surface appearances. In modern usage, it refers to the actual state of affairs, often revealing something that was obscured or misunderstood.

Examples

1. 調査を通じて、社会問題の実相が明らかになった。 Through the investigation, the true nature of the social problem came to light.
2. 現代社会の実相を鋭く描いた小説だ。 It is a novel that vividly portrays the reality of modern society.
3. ニュースだけでは伝わらない紛争地の実相がある。 There is a reality to life in conflict zones that cannot be conveyed by news alone.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, journalism, literary, social critique

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Buddhist Sanskrit: 実 (true, real) + 相 (appearance, form). A philosophical term for the true appearance of all things (as opposed to illusions).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated