Translation guide
The English word "realm" can refer to a kingdom, a domain of activity or knowledge, or a figurative sphere. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a kingdom, country, or territory under a sovereign.
The most direct and common translation for 'realm' as a kingdom. Used for both historical and fantasy contexts.
その王国は広大な領土を持っていた。
The realm had a vast territory.
Means 'territory' or 'domain'. Used when emphasizing the land itself rather than the political entity.
王の領土は海を越えて広がっていた。
The king's realm extended across the sea.
Refers to a country's territory or land, often with a sense of national identity. More formal or literary.
古の王国の国土は今や遺跡となった。
The realm of the ancient kingdom is now ruins.
To refer to an area of expertise, interest, or activity.
The most versatile word for 'realm' in abstract senses: field, domain, area. Used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
それは私の専門領域外です。
That's outside my realm of expertise.
科学の領域では新発見が続いている。
New discoveries continue in the realm of science.
Means 'field' or 'area' of study or work. Slightly more concrete than 領域, often used for academic disciplines.
Literally 'world', but can be used figuratively for a realm or sphere, especially in creative or imaginative contexts.
A suffix meaning 'sphere' or 'zone', used in compounds like 経済圏 (economic realm/bloc). More technical.
To refer to a metaphysical, spiritual, or imaginary realm.
Again, 'world' is the most natural choice for figurative realms, such as the realm of the dead or a fantasy realm.
死者の世界から戻ってきた。
He returned from the realm of the dead.
Can also be used for abstract spiritual realms, though slightly more formal.
A literary term for a boundary or region, often used in Buddhist contexts for spiritual realms. Rare in modern speech.
English 'realm' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'the realm of possibility'). In Japanese, directly translating as 王国 would sound odd. Use 領域 or 世界 instead.
領域 is broader and more abstract (realm, domain, area), while 分野 is more concrete and often used for academic or professional fields. 領域 can also mean 'territory' in a geographical sense.
He is famous in the realm of economics.
In the realm of dreams, anything is possible.
This region forms its own economic realm.
神々の領域に足を踏み入れた。
He stepped into the realm of the gods.
To reach the realm of enlightenment.