How to say "significance" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 意味いみnoun, suru verb, transitive verbUse this when 'significance' simply means what something means or the sense it carries — the significance of a word, phrase, or remark. It answers 'what does it mean?' rather than 'does it matter?'
- 由よしnounReally a word for the reason or cause of something; its 'significance' sense is marginal, and it is seldom the word you want when translating 'significance' — think reason, not meaning.
- 意義いぎnounThe word for 'significance' as importance, worth, or point — whether an event, policy, or study matters and what it amounts to. Choose this when the question is value rather than plain meaning.
- 含蓄がんちくnoun, suru verbCovers 'significance' as implied or unstated depth of meaning — connotation rather than outright statement. Suited to remarks, writing, or art whose significance lies beneath the surface of the literal words.
- 子細しさいnoun, na-adjectiveChiefly a word for the details or particulars of a matter; its 'significance' sense is marginal, so it is seldom the word you want for 'significance' itself — think details, not meaning.
Use 意味 for significance as plain meaning, 意義 for significance as importance or point, and 含蓄 for implied depth of meaning; 由 and 子細 are really words for reason and details respectively, seldom the right choice for 'significance' itself.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
