Translation guide
Describes something that accurately represents reality, such as a story, depiction, or performance. The most common Japanese expressions are リアルな and 真に迫った.
To say that a story, movie, painting, or description feels authentic and accurately reflects real life.
A common loanword meaning 'realistic' or 'true to life'. Used for stories, games, art, etc.
その映画の描写はとてもリアルだった。
The depiction in that movie was very true to life.
Literally 'approaching truth', used for performances or descriptions that feel intensely real.
彼の演技は真に迫っていた。
His acting was true to life.
Means 'realistic' in the sense of faithful representation, often used for visual arts or literature.
この絵は写実的で、まるで写真のようだ。
This painting is true to life, just like a photograph.
Means 'has a sense of reality', used when something feels plausible or lifelike.
その小説の登場人物には現実味がある。
The characters in that novel feel true to life.
A more literary term meaning 'vividly realistic' or 'lifelike', often used in formal writing.
その描写は迫真的で、読者は現場にいるかのように感じる。
The description is so true to life that readers feel as if they are at the scene.