抽象的

• Reading: ちゅうしょうてき
• Romaji: chuushouteki
• Kanji breakdown: 抽 (chuu) — draw out, extract; 象 (shou/zou) — image, form, elephant; 的 (teki) — target, -ical
• Pronunciation: /t͡ɕɯː.ɕoː.te.ki/

Meaning

Abstract. Describes concepts or ideas that exist in thought rather than having a physical or concrete form.

A na-adjective formed with the suffix 的 (teki). Takes な before nouns (抽象的な話 = abstract discussion) and に before verbs (抽象的に考える = to think abstractly). Used in academic, artistic, and philosophical contexts. The opposite is 具体的 (gutaiteki, concrete).

Examples

1. この本の内容は少し抽象的で難しいです。 The content of this book is a bit abstract and difficult.
2. 抽象的な説明より具体的な例が欲しいです。 I'd prefer concrete examples over abstract explanations.
3. 子供には抽象的な話は分かりにくいです。 Abstract topics are hard for children to understand.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, philosophy, art

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 抽 (chuu, to draw out/extract), 象 (shou, image/form), and 的 (teki, -like/-ical). Depicts extracting the essence or image from something — grasping meaning beyond the physical.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Academic/Intellectual