写実(しゃじつ)

しゃじつ
noun
realism; realistic depiction; true-to-life representation
formalart
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(しゃじつ)的(てき)な絵(え)を描(えが)く。
To paint a realistic picture.
この彫刻(ちょうこく)は写実(しゃじつ)的(てき)で見事(みごと)だ。
This sculpture is remarkably realistic.
日本(にほん)の近代文学(きんだいぶんがく)は写実(しゃじつ)主義(しゅぎ)の影響(えいきょう)を強(つよ)く受(う)けた。
Modern Japanese literature was strongly influenced by realism.

Composed of 写(しゃ) (copy, depict) + 実(じつ) (reality, truth). Refers to faithful depiction of reality in art and literature.

Common collocations

  • 写実(しゃじつ)的(てき): realistic (adjective form)
  • 写実(しゃじつ)主義(しゅぎ): realism (as an artistic movement)
  • 写実(しゃじつ)画(が): realistic painting
  • 写実(しゃじつ)的(てき)な描写(びょうしゃ): realistic description/depiction

Similar words

  • リアリズム: realism — the loanword equivalent; used interchangeably in many contexts
  • 写生(しゃせい): sketching from life — the physical act of drawing what one sees; more practical than theoretical
  • 具象(ぐしょう): representational, figurative — in art, depicting recognizable forms (opposite of 抽象(ちゅうしょう))

Usage

Most commonly encountered as 写実(しゃじつ)的(てき) (realistic) to describe art, literature, or film. 写実(しゃじつ)主義(しゅぎ) refers to the broader artistic and literary movement of realism that emerged in the 19th century.

Related Words

Compare: 写生(しゃせい) (sketching from life)
Antonym: 具象(ぐしょう) (representational, figurative)
general
Added 2026.3.28 23:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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