定義 — meaning in English: Definition

teigi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for definition

ライブラリ

raiburari

定義

teigi

カバー

kabā

リターン

ritān

建物

tatemono

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 定義 (teigi) in academic settings, such as classrooms or scholarly discussions, when clarifying concepts or terms. For instance, a professor might ask students to provide the 定義 of a key term during a lecture, ensuring everyone has a common understanding of the subject matter.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 説明 (setsumei), which means 'explanation.' While 定義 (teigi) focuses specifically on the formal definition of a term, 説明 (setsumei) can encompass broader explanations, including examples and context. You would choose 定義 when you need to be precise about the meaning of a term in a technical or academic discussion.

Culture

The word 定義 (teigi) combines the kanji 定 (tei), meaning 'fixed' or 'established', and 義 (gi), meaning 'meaning' or 'righteousness'. This suggests a sense of precision in defining concepts, reflecting Japan's cultural emphasis on clarity and consensus in communication. Interestingly, this word is often used in legal and philosophical texts to ensure that terms are understood universally, highlighting the importance placed on definitions in societal frameworks.

FAQ

Q.What does 定義 mean in English?

定義 (teigi) translates to 'definition' in English, referring to the formal description of a term or concept.

Q.How is 定義 used in sentences?

For example, you might say: 'この単語の定義は何ですか？' (Kono tango no teigi wa nan desu ka?), which means 'What is the definition of this word?'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 定義?

A common mistake is using 定義 to imply a general description rather than a precise definition. Remember that 定義 is used when you want a clear and specific meaning of a term.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000