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.
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.
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 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).