実体(じったい)

じったい
noun
substance, true form, reality
formalcognition
See also: 実態(じったい) (actual conditions)
1. substance, true form, true nature
The real or essential nature of something, as opposed to its surface appearance. Used when trying to uncover what something really is beneath its outward form.
事件(じけん)の実体(じったい)が見(み)えてきた。
The true nature of the incident has become visible.
実体(じったい)のない噂(うわさ)に振(ふ)り回(まわ)されてはいけない。
You shouldn't be swayed by groundless rumors.
その組織(そしき)の実体(じったい)は長(なが)い間(あいだ)謎(なぞ)に包(つつ)まれていた。
The true nature of that organization was shrouded in mystery for a long time.

Usage

Do not confuse with the homophone 実態(じったい) (actual conditions, real situation). 実体(じったい) focuses on the essential nature or substance of something, while 実態(じったい) focuses on the actual state of affairs or conditions. In philosophy, 実体(じったい) translates the concept of "substance" (as in Aristotelian substance).

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 本体(ほんたい) (main body, main unit)
general
Added 2026.2.21 19:30 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12000/12471_jittai