(じったい)

じったい
noun
actual conditions, reality
formalwritten
See also: 実体(じったい) (substance, true form)
1. actual conditions, true state of affairs, reality
The real situation as opposed to what is publicly stated, assumed, or idealized. Often implies that the truth differs from appearances.
実態(じったい)調査(ちょうさ)する
To investigate the actual conditions.
The surface and the reality are quite different.
A survey was conducted to reveal the actual conditions of the working environment.

Writing

(じつ) (truth/reality) + (たい) (condition/state). Literally "true condition."

Usage

A formal word frequently used in news, government reports, and academic writing. Often implies a gap between perception and reality. Commonly paired with 調査(ちょうさ) (investigation/survey) and 把握(はあく) (understanding/grasping).

Similar words

実態(じったい) vs 実情(じつじょう): Both mean "actual situation," but 実態(じったい) is more objective and data-oriented, while 実情(じつじょう) is more personal and emotional ("the way things really are for someone").

Common collocations