Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Concrete" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "concrete", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
具体的な
ぐたいてきな (gutaiteki na)
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 具体的な and 具象.
In Japanese, 具体的な (ぐたいてきな (gutaiteki na)) is typically associated with "concrete, specific, tangible" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes something that is clear, detailed, and not abstract..
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 "具体的な"
具体的な例を挙げてください。
Please give a concrete example.
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: " ＿＿＿ 例を挙げてください。" (Meaning: "Please give a concrete example.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "具体的な" fits here because it means "concrete, specific, tangible" in the context of: "Please give a concrete example.". "具象" represents "concrete, specific, tangible (as opposed to abstract)".