リアル

りある
na-adjective
real; realistic; relatable
slangdescriptive
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(びょうしゃ)が印象的(いんしょうてき)だった。
The realistic depictions were impressive.
この映画(えいが)はリアルに戦争(せんそう)を描(えが)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(はなし)、リアルだね。
That story is so relatable.
あのキャラクターの悩(なや)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(あ)おう。
Let's meet in real life.
リアル友達(ともだち)は少(すく)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(かつどう)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

Note: The slang sense 2 (relatable) is particularly common among younger speakers on social media. In formal contexts, stick to sense 1 (realistic).

Related Words

Antonym: バーチャル (virtual)
Related: 現実(げんじつ) (reality (noun))
Compare: リアリティ (reality, sense of realism)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:18 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:31
05500/05609_riaru