事実

• Reading: じじつ
• Romaji: jijitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 事 (ji/koto) — matter, thing, affair; 実 (jitsu/mi) — truth, reality, fruit
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.dʑi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

Fact; truth; reality. Something that has actually happened or is objectively true.

A noun and adverb describing objective facts or reality. As an adverb, 事実 can begin a sentence to mean 'in fact' or 'actually'. More objective than 真実 (shinjitsu, truth) — 事実 focuses on verifiable facts rather than deeper philosophical truth. Common in news, debates, and legal contexts.

Examples

1. これは誰も否定できない事実です。 This is a fact that no one can deny.
2. 事実、彼はその日東京にいませんでした。 In fact, he was not in Tokyo that day.
3. 事実と意見を分けて考えましょう。 Let's separate facts from opinions when we think about it.

Usage Guide

Context: news, debates, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 事 (matter/thing/affair) and 実 (truth/reality/fruit). Together they describe a matter that is real and verified — an established fact.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal