Meaning and Usage
The kanji 実 (み) primarily means "fruit" or "seed," referring to the literal fruit produced by plants. It also extends metaphorically to mean "good result" or "fruit of one's labor," often used to describe the outcome of effort or work.
Common Expressions
- 実をつける: to bear fruit (literally and figuratively)
- 努力の実: the fruits of effort
- 実を言うと: to tell the truth (a common phrase to introduce honesty or a confession)
Register and Nuance
The word 実 is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. When used in phrases like 実を言うと, it often signals a candid or sincere statement.
Common Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse 実 (み) with 実際 (じっさい), which means "actual" or "real." 実 is more concrete, often physical (fruit), or metaphorical (result), while 実際 emphasizes reality or fact.
Collocations
- 実をつける: to bear fruit, used for plants or metaphorically for results
- 努力の実: the fruits of effort, emphasizing positive outcomes
- 実を言うと: to be honest, a phrase to preface a candid statement
- 実験 (じっけん): experiment (related word but different reading and meaning)
Understanding 実 helps learners grasp both literal and figurative uses of "fruit" and "result" in Japanese conversation and writing.