比喩(ひゆ)

ひゆ
noun
metaphor, simile, figure of speech
academiccommunication
1. metaphor, simile, figure of speech, figurative expression
A rhetorical device that explains or describes something by comparing it to something else. Covers both metaphor (implicit comparison) and simile (explicit comparison using 'like').
それは比喩(ひゆ)であって、文字通(もじどお)りの意味(いみ)ではない。
That is a figure of speech, not meant literally.
彼(かれ)は比喩(ひゆ)を使(つか)って説明(せつめい)するのが上手(じょうず)だ。
He is good at explaining things using metaphors.
「人生(じんせい)は旅(たび)だ」というのは有名(ゆうめい)な比喩(ひゆ)表現(ひょうげん)のひとつだ。
"Life is a journey" is one of the most famous metaphorical expressions.

Usage

Also written as 比(ひ)ゆ in some contexts (using kana for the second character). Used in literary criticism, language study, and everyday conversation when discussing figurative language.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • たとえ: comparison, analogy (native Japanese word, more casual)
  • 暗喩(あんゆ): metaphor (specifically implicit comparison)
  • 直喩(ちょくゆ): simile (specifically explicit comparison using "like")

Related Words

Compare: 直喩(ちょくゆ) (simile)
general
Added 2026.2.24 15:14 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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