如実

• Reading: にょじつ
• Romaji: nyojitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 如 (nyo/jo) — as, like, in accordance with; 実 (jitsu) — reality, truth, substance
• Pronunciation: /ɲo.dʑi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Vividly; realistically; faithfully; true to life. Describes something depicted or revealed in a strikingly clear and undeniably accurate manner.

A na-adjective most often used adverbially as 如実に. Common patterns include 如実に示す (to show vividly/clearly), 如実に反映する (to reflect faithfully), and 如実に物語る (to tell plainly as it is). The word carries a sense of undeniable clarity — what is shown cannot be denied or obscured. Formal and literary in register.

Examples

1. 彼の表情が如実に不満を物語っていた。 His facial expression vividly told the story of his dissatisfaction.
2. そのデータは社会における格差を如実に示している。 The data clearly illustrates the disparity in society.
3. 老いた親の姿が、時間の流れを如実に感じさせた。 Seeing my aging parents made me feel the passage of time in the most vivid way.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, journalism, academic contexts, literature

Tone: objective

Origin & History

From Classical Chinese/Buddhist 如実 (rúshí), meaning 'just as things are' or 'in accordance with reality.' In Buddhism it refers to perceiving things as they truly are, without illusion or distortion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated