Translation guide
The concept of unreality refers to something that is not real, imaginary, or lacking in substance. This guide helps learners express this idea naturally in Japanese, covering words for fantasy, illusion, and lack of reality.
Describing something that exists only in imagination, not in reality.
A direct and common word for 'unreality' or 'non-reality'. Used for things that are not real or not based in reality.
その話は非現実的だ。
That story is unrealistic.
Means 'fictional' or 'imaginary'. Often used for made-up stories, settings, or characters.
これは架空の物語です。
This is a fictional story.
Refers to 'illusion' or 'fantasy'. Can imply something beautiful but unreal, or a delusion.
それはただの幻想に過ぎない。
That's nothing more than an illusion.
Expressing that something feels empty, insubstantial, or not truly real.
Means 'fiction' or 'fabrication'. Emphasizes that something is made up, not factual.
彼の話は虚構だった。
His story was a fabrication.
A phrase meaning 'without substance' or 'insubstantial'. Used to describe things that lack physical or real existence.
その噂は実体のないものだ。
That rumor is insubstantial.
A more technical term for 'non-existence' or 'unreality'. Used in philosophical or academic contexts.
非実在の概念について議論する。
We discuss the concept of non-existence.
Describing an atmosphere or experience that feels unreal, like a dream.
Combines 'dream' and 'illusion'. Evokes a dreamlike, fantastical unreality, often used in literary or poetic contexts.
その景色は夢幻のようだった。
The scenery was like a dream.
Literally 'feeling of unreality'. Used to describe a sense that things are not real, often in psychological or emotional contexts.
非現実感に襲われた。
I was overcome by a feeling of unreality.