Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Materialism" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "materialism", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
即物主義
そくぶつしゅぎ (sokubutsushugi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
唯物論
ゆいぶつろん (yuibutsuron)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "materialism" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 即物主義 and 唯物論.
In Japanese, 即物主義 (そくぶつしゅぎ (sokubutsushugi)) is typically associated with "materialism, objectivism, realism (in art/philosophy)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Primarily refers to materialism in the sense of valuing material possessions, or a philosophy that focuses on objective reality rather than abstract ideas..
On the other hand, 唯物論 (ゆいぶつろん (yuibutsuron)) maps to "Materialism" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "materialism" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "即物主義"
彼は即物主義的な考え方で、精神的な価値を軽視する傾向がある。
He has a materialistic way of thinking and tends to disregard spiritual values.
Bilingual Context for "唯物論"
私は唯物論に興味があります。
I am interested in Materialism.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は ＿＿＿ 的な考え方で、精神的な価値を軽視する傾向がある。" (Meaning: "He has a materialistic way of thinking and tends to disregard spiritual values.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "即物主義" fits here because it means "materialism, objectivism, realism (in art/philosophy)" in the context of: "He has a materialistic way of thinking and tends to disregard spiritual values.". "唯物論" represents "Materialism".