切実

• Reading: せつじつ
• Romaji: setsujitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 切 (setsu/se) — cut, pressing, urgent; 実 (jitsu/ji) — truth, reality, fruit
• Pronunciation: /se.tsɯ.dʑi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Earnest; acute; keenly felt. Describes something deeply pressing or urgently important.

A na-adjective expressing that something is deeply felt, pressing, or acutely relevant. Often used with problems (切実な問題), wishes (切実な願い), or feelings that are genuinely heartfelt. Conveys a stronger emotional weight than 深刻 (serious), emphasising personal urgency and sincerity rather than just severity.

Examples

1. 住民たちの切実な訴えが市長に届いた。 The residents' earnest pleas reached the mayor.
2. 人手不足は地方の切実な問題になっている。 Labor shortages have become an acute problem in rural areas.
3. 平和への切実な願いが込められた手紙だった。 It was a letter filled with a heartfelt wish for peace.

Usage Guide

Context: social issues, personal appeals, news

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 切 (setsu, to cut/urgent) + 実 (jitsu, true/real). The image of something that cuts into reality conveys deep, pressing sincerity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal