Meaning
The kanji 実 (jitsu, mi) is a key character in Japanese, encompassing ideas of "fruit," "truth," and "reality." Its visual structure offers insight into these diverse meanings.
The character combines 宀 (roof/house), symbolizing a dwelling, with a modified element underneath. Historically, this lower part depicted something growing vigorously or a shell, often associated with value and substance. Modern interpretations typically view 宀, also known as the "uroko-gamae" or "roof radical," as enclosing a tree or growing plant that bears fruit. This imagery directly leads to its primary meanings: "fruit," "nut," or "seed."
Beyond literal produce, 実 extends to "content" or "substance"—what is contained within, genuine, and true. It also communicates "reality" or "truth," emphasizing concrete existence over mere appearance.
Comprising 8 strokes, 実 is taught in the 3rd grade of Japanese elementary schools, highlighting its fundamental role in the language. Grasping its visual components helps unlock its broad yet interconnected semantic range.
Over time, the evolution of 実 shifted from literally depicting a fruit-bearing plant under a roof to more abstract concepts of truth and authenticity. The "roof" radical (宀) implies a contained space or protection, while the lower part signifies growth and production. This combination suggests something valuable and real being cultivated or stored.
Thus, 実 refers not only to the literal fruit of a tree but also metaphorically to the "fruits" of labor (例えば、努力が実る - doryoku ga minoru), the "substance" of an argument, or the "truth" of a matter (例えば、真実 - shinjitsu). It genuinely captures the essence of anything authentic, accomplished, or substantial.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi readings of 実 originate from ancient Chinese pronunciations and are predominantly found in compound words. The two most common on'yomi are ジツ (jitsu) and シツ (shitsu).
ジツ (Jitsu)
The reading ジツ is prevalent and frequently conveys meanings related to truth, reality, and achievement.
- 事実 (jijitsu) — fact, truth, reality. This refers to something that is verifiably true, like a historical event or a scientific finding.
- 実現 (jitsugen) — realization, implementation, actualization. This is the act of making a dream or plan become real.
- 実行 (jikkō) — execution, practice, implementation. Carrying out a plan or action, such as "実行する" (jikkō suru) meaning "to execute."
- 実力 (jitsuryoku) — real ability, true strength, merit. This refers to one's genuine capabilities, not just perceived ones.
シツ (Shitsu)
The reading シツ is less common than ジツ but appears in specific compounds, often carrying a nuance of quality or inherent substance.
- 質実 (shitsujitsu) — simple and sturdy, unpretentious, honest. This often describes character, design, or lifestyle, emphasizing practicality over flashiness.
- 実質 (shisshitsu) — substance, essence, true nature. It refers to the fundamental character or true state of something, often contrasting with its superficial appearance.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings of 実 are native Japanese pronunciations. They are used when the kanji appears alone or as part of native Japanese words, often accompanied by okurigana (送り仮名).
み (Mi)
This reading primarily denotes "fruit," "nut," or "seed," referring to the tangible produce of plants.
- 木の実 (ki no mi) — tree nut, berry, or fruit of a tree, like an acorn or a small berry.
- 果実 (kajitsu) — fruit, nut, berry. This term is often used in a more formal or botanical context compared to the common word くだもの (kudamono).
- 実 (mi) — fruit, nut, seed. Used generally to refer to the edible part of a plant, such as the "実" of an apple.
みの.る (Mino.ru)
This reading, always paired with the okurigana る, means "to bear fruit," "to ripen," or metaphorically, "to come to fruition" for plans or efforts.
- 実る (minoru) — to bear fruit, to ripen. For example, "リンゴが実る" (ringo ga minoru) means "apples ripen."
- 努力が実る (doryoku ga minoru) — efforts bear fruit, efforts come to fruition. This signifies successful outcomes from hard work.
まこと (Makoto)
This reading expresses "truth," "sincerity," or "faithfulness," reflecting the kanji's core meaning of reality and genuineness. While often written with 誠 (makoto) for sincerity, 実 can also convey this meaning, particularly in older texts or specific nuanced contexts.
- 真実 (shinjitsu) — truth, reality, fact. This compound emphasizes pure, unadulterated truth, often in a serious or legal context.
- 誠 (makoto) — sincerity, honesty, integrity. Though commonly written with 誠, the concept of genuineness inherent in 実 connects to this meaning.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 実 appears in many compound words, showcasing its versatility across Japanese vocabulary. These examples are grouped by thematic emphasis, ranging from concrete objects like fruit to abstract concepts such as truth and achievement.
Regarding Truth and Reality
- 実は (jitsu wa) — actually, in fact, to tell you the truth. Used commonly to reveal hidden information or introduce a surprising fact.
- 真実 (shinjitsu) — truth, reality, fact. Refers to a definitive and undeniable truth.
- 現実 (genjitsu) — reality, actuality. Describes the current state of affairs or the real world, often in contrast to ideals.
- 実体 (jittai) — substance, entity, actual condition. This refers to the true form, nature, or tangible existence of something.
Regarding Ability and Effort
- 実力 (jitsuryoku) — real ability, true power, merit. What one can genuinely do or their actual capabilities.
- 実績 (jisseki) — achievements, actual results, track record. Refers to past accomplishments or a proven record of success.
- 実用 (jitsuyō) — practical use, utility. Describes something useful in practice or designed for functionality.
Regarding Fruit and Growth
- 果実 (kajitsu) — fruit, nut, berry. A more formal or general term for edible produce.
- 結実 (ketsujitsu) — fruition, bearing fruit. The act of producing fruit, or metaphorically, the successful outcome of efforts.
Regarding Actions and Deeds
- 実行 (jikkō) — execution, implementation, practice. The act of carrying out a plan, order, or task.
- 実践 (jissen) — practice, action, practical application. Putting theory or knowledge into action, often in a real-world setting.
- 実験 (jikken) — experiment, test. A scientific procedure or trial conducted to test a hypothesis or demonstrate a known fact.
Example Sentences
木にたくさんの実がなっています。
Ki ni takusan no mi ga natteimasu.
Many fruits are growing on the tree.
彼の努力が実って、夢が実現しました。
Kare no doryoku ga minotte, yume ga jitsugen shimashita.
His efforts bore fruit, and his dream came true.
実は、その話は本当ではありません。
Jitsu wa, sono hanashi wa hontō de wa arimasen.
Actually, that story is not true.
事実を確認することが大切です。
Jijitsu o kakunin suru koto ga taisetsu desu.
It is important to confirm the facts.
計画を実行する時が来ました。
Keikaku o jikkō suru toki ga kimashita.
The time has come to execute the plan.
彼女は高い実力を持っています。
Kanojo wa takai jitsuryoku o motteimasu.
She possesses high ability.
現実を直視する必要があります。
Genjitsu o chokushi suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
It is necessary to face reality.
このソフトウェアはとても実用的です。
Kono sofutowea wa totemo jitsuyōteki desu.
This software is very practical.
実を尽くして仕事に取り組みます。
Makoto o tsukushite shigoto ni torikumimasu.
I will approach my work with utmost sincerity.
Memory Tip
To remember 実, visualize a robust, ripe fruit growing securely under a roof (宀). This fruit is so substantial and real that it comes to represent truth and reality itself. Think of it as "the real fruit under the roof," where the roof protects what is genuine and essential.
Alternatively, consider the components: a "roof" (宀) covering "money/valuables" (貝). Historically, 貝, often appearing as a simplified variant of the lower part of 実, was associated with wealth. This interpretation emphasizes "substance" or "truth" as something valuable and safeguarded. Both visuals effectively link the character to its meanings of fruit, substance, and truth.