現象 — meaning in English: phenomenon

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

Guess the translation for phenomenon

砂糖

satou

現象

genshō

オブザーバー

obuzābā

完成

kansei

知事

chiji

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 現象 (genshō) in scientific discussions, such as when explaining natural phenomena like weather patterns or social phenomena in sociology. You might hear it in academic lectures, news reports, or even casual conversations when discussing unusual events or occurrences.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 現象 (genshō) is 事象 (jishō), which also means 'event' or 'phenomenon.' However, 事象 is typically used in more technical or formal contexts, whereas 現象 can be used more broadly in everyday conversation. Choose 現象 when discussing observable events in a more general sense.

Culture

The word 現象 (genshō) is derived from the kanji 現 (gen), meaning 'to appear' or 'to manifest,' and 象 (shō), meaning 'shape' or 'form.' This connection highlights how a phenomenon is something that can be observed in reality, reflecting a deep appreciation in Japanese culture for the tangible aspects of existence. Interestingly, the word is often used in Buddhist contexts to describe the nature of reality and illusion.

FAQ

Q.What does 現象 (genshō) mean in English?

現象 (genshō) translates to 'phenomenon' in English, referring to observable events or occurrences, especially in scientific or philosophical contexts.

Q.How do you use 現象 in a sentence?

You can use 現象 in a sentence like: '地球温暖化は非常に重要な現象です,' which means 'Global warming is a very important phenomenon.'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 現象?

A common mistake is to confuse 現象 (genshō) with similar words like 事件 (jiken), which means 'incident.' Remember, 現象 refers to observable phenomena, while 事件 usually refers to specific events or incidents.

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