実情

• Reading: じつじょう
• Romaji: jitsujou
• Kanji breakdown: 実 (jitsu) — reality, truth, practical; 情 (jou) — circumstances, feelings, condition
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.tsɯ.dʑoː/

Meaning

Real situation; actual circumstances. The true state of affairs as opposed to appearances or reports.

A noun used when revealing or discussing the reality behind a situation, often implying that the truth differs from what is publicly known or assumed. Common collocations include 実情を知る (jitsujou wo shiru, to know the real situation), 実情に合った (jitsujou ni atta, suited to actual conditions), and 実情を把握する (jitsujou wo haaku suru, to grasp the actual circumstances). Frequently appears in journalism and business reporting.

Examples

1. 現場の実情を理解せずに方針を決めるべきではない。 You shouldn't make policy decisions without understanding the actual situation on the ground.
2. 報道と実情にはかなりのギャップがある。 There is a significant gap between media reports and the real situation.
3. 教育現場の実情を把握するために視察が行われた。 An inspection was conducted to grasp the actual circumstances in educational settings.

Usage Guide

Context: business, journalism, policy

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 実 (jitsu, reality/truth) + 情 (jou, circumstances/condition). Literally 'real circumstances' — the actual state of affairs as it truly exists.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal