How to say "embodiment" in Japanese

• 具体ぐたいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounPrimarily means concreteness, the opposite of the abstract; as a rendering of 'embodiment' it is marginal, and for giving an idea concrete form 具体化 or 具現 is usually what you want.
• 現れあらわれJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for something abstract showing itself or coming into view; use it when 'embodiment' means a manifestation or outward expression rather than a deliberate act of giving form.
  それは彼女かのじょの性格せいかくの表あらわれだ。↗

  It is an index of her character.
• 体現たいげんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbBest when 'embodiment' means personification: a person or work that fully expresses qualities or ideals, or an actor's impersonation of a character.
• 具現ぐげんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbFor giving an ideal, vision, or plan concrete form — the sense of 'incarnation' or 'realization', turning something abstract into something actual.
• 具体化ぐたいかCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe act of making something abstract or vague concrete and specific, such as a plan or idea taking definite shape; it overlaps with 具現 in the realization sense.
  その案あんは具体化ぐたいかされた。↗

  The idea was brought into shape.

Use 「現れ」 for something abstract showing itself outwardly, 体現 for a person or work that personifies ideals, 具現 and 具体化 for giving plans or visions concrete form, and 具体 mainly for concreteness itself.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 具体ぐたいconcreteness
• 現れあらわれembodiment
• 体現たいげんpersonification
• 具現ぐげんincarnation
• 具体化ぐたいかembodiment
• 具象ぐしょうconcreteness
• 実施形態じっしけいたいembodiment
• 具現化ぐげんかembodiment
• 身体性しんたいせいembodiment
• 実施例じっしれいexample of execution (e.g. in patents)
• 体現者たいげんしゃ(human) embodiment (of)
• 塊かたまりembodiment (of an idea, quality, feeling etc.)
• 権化ごんげembodiment (as in "embodiment of evil")