Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Existence" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "existence", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
存在
そんざい (sonzai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
実存は本質に先立つ
じつそんはほんしつにさきだつ (jitsuzon wa honshitsu ni sakidatsu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "existence" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 存在 and 実存は本質に先立つ.
In Japanese, 存在 (そんざい (sonzai)) is typically associated with "existence, being" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can refer to the fact of something existing.
On the other hand, 実存は本質に先立つ (じつそんはほんしつにさきだつ (jitsuzon wa honshitsu ni sakidatsu)) maps to "existence precedes essence" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "existence" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "存在"
UFOの存在を信じていますか？
Do you believe in the existence of UFOs?
Bilingual Context for "実存は本質に先立つ"
私は実存は本質に先立つに興味があります。
I am interested in existence precedes essence.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "UFOの ＿＿＿ を信じていますか？" (Meaning: "Do you believe in the existence of UFOs?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "存在" fits here because it means "existence, being" in the context of: "Do you believe in the existence of UFOs?". "実存は本質に先立つ" represents "existence precedes essence".