1.
realism; realistic depiction; true-to-life representation
The artistic approach of depicting things faithfully as they appear in reality, without idealization or abstraction. Used primarily in the context of visual arts and literature.
写実的な絵を描く。
To paint a realistic picture.
この彫刻は写実的で見事だ。
This sculpture is remarkably realistic.
日本の近代文学は写実主義の影響を強く受けた。
Modern Japanese literature was strongly influenced by realism.
Composed of 写 (copy, depict) + 実 (reality, truth). Refers to faithful depiction of reality in art and literature.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 写実的: realistic (adjective form)
- 写実主義: realism (as an artistic movement)
- 写実画: realistic painting
- 写実的な描写: realistic description/depiction
SIMILAR WORDS:
- リアリズム: realism — the loanword equivalent; used interchangeably in many contexts
- 写生: sketching from life — the physical act of drawing what one sees; more practical than theoretical
- 具象: representational, figurative — in art, depicting recognizable forms (opposite of 抽象)
USAGE:
Most commonly encountered as 写実的 (realistic) to describe art, literature, or film. 写実主義 refers to the broader artistic and literary movement of realism that emerged in the 19th century.