How to say "physical" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 物理的ぶつりてきna-adjectiveCovers 'physical' in the sense of relating to physics, and the physical as opposed to the mental; the default word for physical forces, phenomena, or obstacles.
- 物的ぶってきna-adjectiveLeans toward 'material': physical in the sense of tangible and thing-related, as opposed to the mental or spiritual. For most senses of 'physical' this is not the word you want.
- 肉体的にくたいてきna-adjectiveCovers 'physical' in its bodily sense — physical strength, labor, pain, or desire; it points to the body itself, in contrast with the mind or spirit.
- 物質的ぶっしつてきna-adjectiveReally means 'material': of matter, material wealth, or material comforts, as opposed to the spiritual. It only occasionally renders 'physical', and then in the sense of material or tangible.
- 生理的せいりてきna-adjectiveCovers 'physical' as 'physiological': bodily functions and instinctive, unreasoned reactions. A 'physical' dislike or discomfort — one felt in the body rather than thought out — belongs here.
For 'physical', use 物理的 for physics or the physical as opposed to the mental, 肉体的 for bodily matters, 生理的 for physiological reactions; 物的 and 物質的 chiefly mean 'material'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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