Translation and Meaning of: 果実 - kajitsu

The Japanese word 果実 (かじつ, kajitsu) is a term that arouses curiosity both for its meaning and for its use in everyday Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding what this word represents can enrich your vocabulary and even your cultural perception. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 果実 is used, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

In addition to being a common word in dictionaries like Suki Nihongo, 果実 carries interesting nuances that differentiate it from similar terms. Is it frequently used in daily life? Are there cultural curiosities linked to it? We will answer these and other questions throughout the text.

Meaning and usage of 果実

果実 is a word that means "fruit" or "fruit" in Japanese, but its meaning goes beyond the literal sense. While terms like フルーツ (furūtsu, from English "fruits") are more informal, 果実 has a more formal and poetic tone, often associated with literary texts or botanical descriptions. It can refer both to the fruit of a plant and to concrete results of an effort, as in "the fruits of labor."

In everyday life, it is more common to hear 果物 (くだもの, kudamono) to refer to edible fruits, while 果実 appears in contexts such as agriculture, science, or even in metaphorical expressions. For example, the phrase "努力の果実" (doryoku no kajitsu) means "the fruits of effort," showing how the word can be used abstractly.

Origin and writing of 果実

The word 果実 is composed of two kanji: 果 (ka), which means "fruit" or "result", and 実 (jitsu), which can mean "truth" or "reality", but also "fruit" in certain contexts. Together, they reinforce the idea of something concrete that arises as a consequence, whether in nature or in life situations. This duplication of meanings is common in Japanese and helps to understand why the word has such a wide usage.

It's worth noting that 実 alone can also mean "fruit," but in compositions like 果実, the term takes on a more formal weight. If you are learning Japanese, a tip to memorize this word is to associate the kanji 果 with "result" and 実 with "something tangible," creating a mental image of a fruit that is both literal and symbolic.

Fruits in Japanese culture

In Japan, 果実 is not a word that appears frequently in casual conversations, but it has its place in proverbs, literature, and even in the media. Some anime and dramas use it in more elaborate dialogues or in scenes that involve themes such as growth and achievement. Furthermore, in rural areas, the term may be more common in discussions about agriculture and harvests.

An interesting curiosity is that, due to its poetic tone, 果実 is sometimes used in product names, such as juices or sweets, to convey an idea of naturalness and quality. If you've ever seen a juice called "果実の恵み" (kajitsu no megumi, "the blessing of the fruits"), for example, now you know why the word was chosen – it carries a more sophisticated connotation than the simple フルーツ.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

実 (jitsu) - fruit, reality
フルーツ (furūtsu) - fruits (generally refers to fruits in English or sweet varieties)
果物 (kudamono) - fruits (a broader term referring to all types of fruits)