比喩(ひゆ)

ひゆ
noun
metaphor, simile, figure of speech
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 比ゆ(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:

  • 比喩(ひゆ)表現(ひょうげん): figurative expression
  • 比喩(ひゆ)を使(つか)う: to use a metaphor
  • 比喩(ひゆ)的(てき): figurative, metaphorical
  • 比喩(ひゆ)ではなく: not figuratively (i.e., literally)

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")
general
Added 2026.2.24 15:14
13000/13204_hiyu