Translation guide
The English word 'substantial' covers several related ideas: large in amount or size, physically solid or sturdy, important or meaningful, and real or tangible. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each nuance.
Describing something that is considerable, significant in quantity, or ample.
A versatile prenominal adjective meaning 'considerable' or 'substantial'. Used with nouns to indicate a large amount or degree.
かなりの金額がかかった。
A substantial amount of money was spent.
かなりの進歩が見られた。
Substantial progress was observed.
Means 'considerable' or 'substantial', often implying a degree that is more than expected. Slightly formal.
相当な努力が必要だ。
Substantial effort is required.
Means 'great' or 'immense', used for abstract nouns like influence, effort, or damage. Formal.
多大な影響を与えた。
It had a substantial influence.
Means 'sufficient' or 'ample'. Used when 'substantial' implies enough or more than enough.
十分な証拠がある。
There is substantial evidence.
Describing physical objects that are large, heavy, and well-constructed.
Means 'sturdy' or 'solidly built'. Commonly used for furniture, buildings, or objects that are physically robust.
この机は頑丈な造りだ。
This desk is of substantial construction.
頑丈な橋がかかっている。
A substantial bridge spans the river.
Describes something thick, solid, and sturdy, often with a sense of heaviness. Used for buildings, furniture, or body types.
がっしりした体格の男性。
A man of substantial build.
Implies a massive, weighty solidity. Often used for large objects or a stable, imposing presence.
どっしりした机。
A substantial desk.
Describing something that has real importance or value, not trivial.
The most common word for 'important' or 'significant'. Covers many uses of 'substantial' when meaning 'of substance'.
重要な問題について話し合った。
We discussed substantial issues.
Means 'substantive' or 'essential'. Used when contrasting with superficial or formal aspects.
実質的な議論が必要だ。
We need a substantial discussion.
Means 'meaningful' or 'significant'. Used for experiences, discussions, or contributions that have real value.
有意義な時間を過ごした。
We spent a substantial (meaningful) time together.
Describing something that is not imaginary or theoretical; having substance.
Literally 'having substance/entity'. Used for things that are real or tangible.
幽霊に実体はない。
Ghosts are not substantial.
Means 'concrete' or 'tangible'. Often used for evidence, plans, or examples.
具体的な証拠を示してください。
Please provide substantial evidence.
Means 'tangible' or 'corporeal'. Used in legal, business, or philosophical contexts.
有形資産
substantial assets (tangible assets)
Describing a meal that is large, filling, or hearty.
A common phrase meaning 'voluminous' or 'hearty', used for meals. Borrowed from English 'volume'.
ボリュームのある朝食を食べた。
I had a substantial breakfast.
Means 'plenty of' or 'ample'. Used for generous portions.
たっぷりのサラダ。
A substantial salad.
Casual, often used for hearty, filling meals, especially by younger people.
がっつりしたラーメンが食べたい。
I want a substantial ramen.
Both mean 'considerable', but かなりの is more neutral and common in speech. 相当な often implies a degree that is surprisingly high or more than expected, and is slightly more formal.
かなりの人数が集まった。
A substantial number of people gathered.
相当な人数が集まった。
A surprisingly substantial number of people gathered.
Do not use 実質的な食事 (jisshitsuteki na shokuji) for 'substantial meal'. That would mean 'substantive meal' in a philosophical sense. Use ボリュームのある or たっぷりの instead.