具体

ぐたい

concrete, tangible, material

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Understanding 具体

The word 具体 (jùtǐ) means "concrete" or "specific." It is often used to describe something detailed, clear, and tangible rather than vague or abstract. When you use 具体, you emphasize that the information or plan is precise and well-defined.

Common Uses

  1. Describing examples or details: "具体" (concrete example).
  2. Talking about plans or actions that are clearly outlined: "具体计划" (specific plan).
  3. Referring to particular times, places, or conditions: "具体时间" (specific time).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 具体 + noun: This is the most common pattern, where 具体 modifies a noun to indicate specificity.
  • 具体: a phrase meaning "to be specific," often used to introduce detailed explanation.

Usage Tips

  • 具体 is more formal and precise than words like "详细" (detailed) or "明确" (clear).
  • Avoid using 具体 alone as a noun; it usually modifies another noun.
  • When asking for more information, you can say "具体?" meaning "Can you be more specific?"

Common Confusion

Don't confuse 具体 with 抽象 (chōuxiàng), which means "abstract." 具体 refers to something tangible or well-defined, while 抽象 refers to something conceptual or vague.

Example Sentences

Please give me a concrete example.

We need a concrete plan to complete this project.

He didn't give a specific time, only said he would finish as soon as