Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Concrete" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "concrete", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
具体
ぐたい (gutai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
具象
ぐしょう (gushou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "concrete" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 具体 and 具象.
In Japanese, 具体 (ぐたい (gutai)) is typically associated with "concrete, specific, tangible" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used as `具体的な`.
On the other hand, 具象 (ぐしょう (gushou)) maps to "concrete, specific, tangible (as opposed to abstract)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe something that has a definite form or can be perceived by the senses, rather than being an abstract concept. Often appears with 化. A literal translation of "concrete" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "具体"
もっと具体的に説明してください。
Please explain it more concretely/specifically.
Bilingual Context for "具象"
彼のアイデアはまだ漠然としていて、具象的な計画にはなっていない。
His idea is still vague and has not yet become a concrete plan.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "もっと ＿＿＿ 的に説明してください。" (Meaning: "Please explain it more concretely/specifically.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "具体" fits here because it means "concrete, specific, tangible" in the context of: "Please explain it more concretely/specifically.". "具象" represents "concrete, specific, tangible (as opposed to abstract)".