Translation guide
The English word "fact" covers a range of meanings from objective truth to specific pieces of information. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are stating a truth, presenting evidence, or referring to a known piece of information.
Referring to something that is true, not an opinion or belief.
The most direct equivalent for 'fact' as an objective truth. Often used in formal or written contexts.
それは事実ですか？
Is that a fact?
事実に基づいて判断する。
Judge based on facts.
Emphasizes 'reality' as opposed to fantasy or ideals. Often used when contrasting with what one wishes were true.
現実を受け入れる。
Accept the facts/reality.
Referring to a specific known piece of information, often in the context of reporting or listing.
Also used for individual facts, especially in formal contexts like news or reports.
いくつかの事実が明らかになった。
Several facts came to light.
Often used when 'fact' means a piece of information or data. More neutral and common in everyday language.
Introducing a statement that clarifies, contrasts, or emphasizes.
Commonly used as 'in fact' or 'actually'. Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the verb.
実際、彼は来なかった。
In fact, he didn't come.
彼は実際には来なかった。
He didn't actually come.
Used to reveal a truth or confess something, similar to 'actually' or 'the fact is'. Often implies the listener doesn't know.
Used in phrases like 'the fact is' or 'the fact that'.
Pattern for 'the fact that...'. Nominalizes a clause.
彼が辞めたという事実は驚きだ。
The fact that he quit is surprising.
Means 'the fact of the matter is' or 'in reality'.
実際のところ、予算は足りない。
The fact is, the budget is insufficient.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'fact' as 事実 can sound overly formal or stiff. Often, rephrasing the sentence without the word 'fact' is more natural.
彼が来なかったのは本当だ。
It's a fact that he didn't come.
事実 (jijitsu) is an objective fact or truth. 現実 (genjitsu) is reality as opposed to ideals or imagination. 真実 (shinjitsu) is a deeper, often emotional or moral truth. Use 事実 for most 'fact' contexts.
彼はその事実を知らなかった。
He didn't know that fact.
正確な情報を集める。
Gather accurate facts.
As a matter of fact, I think so too.