リアル
りある
na-adjective
real; realistic; relatable
1.
real; realistic
Lifelike, authentic, or based on reality.
このゲームのグラフィックはリアルだ。
The graphics in this game are realistic.
リアルな描写が印象的だった。
The realistic depictions were impressive.
この映画はリアルに戦争を描いている。
This movie depicts war realistically.
2.
relatable (slang)
Something that resonates or feels true to one's experience.
その話、リアルだね。
That story is so relatable.
あのキャラクターの悩みがリアルだ。
That character's worries are so relatable.
SNSで「リアルすぎる」というコメントがたくさんあった。
There were many comments on social media saying "too relatable."
3.
in real life; offline
Referring to the physical world as opposed to online.
リアルで会おう。
Let's meet in real life.
リアル友達は少ない。
I don't have many real-life friends.
ネットだけでなく、リアルでも活動している。
They are active not only online but also in real life.
リアル is a na-adjective with multiple meanings in modern Japanese, ranging from "realistic" to contemporary slang uses.
USAGE BY MEANING:
1. Realistic/lifelike: Describes graphics, art, or depictions that closely resemble reality
2. Relatable (slang): Young people use it to mean "so true" or "I feel that"
3. In real life: Contrasts online/virtual with the physical world
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- リアル友達: real-life friend (vs. online friend)
- リアルタイム: real-time
- リアルな話: realistic story; relatable story
NOTE: The slang sense 2 (relatable) is particularly common among younger speakers on social media. In formal contexts, stick to sense 1 (realistic).