The Meaning of jitsubutsu [実物] In Japanese

実物
じつぶつ
Romaji: jitsubutsu N4

What does 実物 mean?

Translation and Meaning

real thing, actual object, genuine article

Definition

実物 refers to the real object itself, not a representation, sample, or model; it emphasizes tangible reality and authenticity in contrast to photographs, drawings, or descriptions. It is used when confirming the existence or presence of the original item and is neutral in tone, suitable for everyday and formal contexts.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Real object vs. representation in demonstrations or sales
  • Authenticity or genuineness emphasis when comparing to pictures or samples
  • In museums, exhibitions, or education, the term labels the tangible specimen

Etymology

実 (jitsu) + 物 (butsu) form the compound 実物; pronunciation has remained the standard on’yomi in modern Japanese, a typical Sino-Japanese compound without native reading.

Origin

In classical Japanese, the concept existed to distinguish the tangible from descriptions; by the Edo period, merchants, exhibitors, and scholars increasingly used 実物 to refer to the actual item in contrast to samples, drawings, or photos, reflecting the growth of commerce and display culture.

Composition

  • 実 — real, true; jitsu
  • 物 — thing, object; butsu

Usage

Used in shopping, auctions, appraisal, education, journalism, and everyday speech when contrasting the tangible item with images, samples, or descriptions; suitable for both formal and casual contexts, with a neutral tone.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: remember that 実 means real or true and pairs with 物 meaning thing; picture lifting a cloth to reveal the actual item as the real thing—a ready cue that 実物 is the real article.

Variations

  • 本物 (honmono) — real article
  • 現物 (genbutsu) — the actual item

Example Phrases

  • 展覽会で 実物を 触って サイズを 確かめる。
    Tenrankai de jitsubutsu o sawatte saizu o tashikameru.
    At the exhibition, I touch the real object to check its size.
    Lista:
    • 展覧会で (tenrankai de) – at the exhibition
    • 実物を (jitsubutsu o) – the real object
    • 触って (sawatte) – touching
    • サイズを (saizu o) – size
    • 確かめる (tashikameru) – to check
    「実物」 means the real object; here it is the object being touched to compare its size.
実物