Meaning and Usage
"真実" (しんじつ) means "truth" or "reality" and is used to refer to facts or realities that are genuine and accurate. It often appears in formal or serious contexts, such as legal discussions, philosophical debates, or when emphasizing honesty.
Common Collocations
- 真実を話す (しんじつをはなす): to tell the truth
- 真実を知る (しんじつをしる): to know the truth
- 真実は一つ (しんじつはひとつ): there is only one truth
These collocations highlight the importance of truthfulness and the pursuit of factual information.
Nuances and Register
"真実" carries a strong sense of objective truth, often contrasted with opinions or lies. It is more formal than words like "本当" (ほんとう) which can also mean "truth" but is more casual. Use "真実" when you want to emphasize the absolute or factual nature of something.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "真実" with "事実" (じじつ), which also means "fact" or "truth". While "事実" focuses on factual events, "真実" often implies a deeper or more essential truth, sometimes hidden beneath appearances. Choose "真実" when discussing the core truth behind a situation.