具体

• Reading: ぐたい
• Romaji: gutai
• Kanji breakdown: 具 (gu) — tool, to possess; 体 (tai) — body, substance
• Pronunciation: /ɡɯ.ta.i/

Meaning

Concrete; tangible; specific. The opposite of abstract or vague.

A noun most commonly used in the adjectival form 具体的 (gutaiteki, concrete/specific). It contrasts with 抽象 (abstract). Very frequent in academic, business, and explanatory contexts where specificity is needed. 具体的に (concretely, specifically) is an essential adverbial form.

Examples

1. 具体的な例を挙げてください。 Please give a concrete example.
2. 計画をもっと具体的に説明してほしい。 I'd like you to explain the plan more specifically.
3. 具体的にどうすればいいか分からない。 I don't know specifically what I should do.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, business, explanations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 具 (tool, ingredient, to possess) and 体 (body, substance). Together they convey the idea of something that has substance and form — something you can grasp or point to.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal