抽象的
ちゅうしょうてき·chuushouteki
Meaning
abstract; theoretical; conceptual; non-concrete; vague
Nuance & Usage
抽象的 describes concepts, ideas, or expressions that are not concrete or specific — existing in the realm of thought rather than physical reality. 抽象的な概念 (abstract concept), 抽象的すぎる説明 (overly abstract explanation), 抽象画 (abstract painting), 抽象と具体の間 (between abstraction and concreteness) are typical uses. In academic and philosophical discourse, 抽象的 is a neutral technical term. In everyday feedback, 抽象的すぎる (too abstract) is criticism — a call for more concrete examples. The antonym is 具体的 (gutaiteki — concrete, specific).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 抽象的 with 曖昧 (aimai — vague/ambiguous, about clarity) and 漠然とした (bakuzen to shita — vague/hazy, about lack of focus). 抽象的 specifically refers to the absence of concreteness — existing at the level of concepts rather than examples. 抽象的に言う (to speak abstractly) vs 具体的に言う (to speak concretely) is a key contrast. 抽象的な話 (abstract talk) without 具体例 (concrete examples) is often criticized in Japanese business and educational contexts.
Example Sentences (3)
彼の説明は抽象的すぎて、具体的に何をすればいいかわからなかった。
かれのせつめいはちゅうしょうてきすぎて、ぐたいてきになにをすればいいかわからなかった。
His explanation was too abstract — I couldn't understand concretely what to do.
抽象的な概念を具体例を使って説明することが、優れた教育の核心だ。
ちゅうしょうてきながいねんをぐたいれいをつかってせつめいすることが、すぐれたきょういくのかくしんだ。
Explaining abstract concepts using concrete examples is at the heart of excellent education.
芸術作品の価値はしばしば抽象的で、数値で測ることが難しい。
げいじゅつさくひんのかちはしばしばちゅうしょうてきで、すうちではかることがむずかしい。
The value of artwork is often abstract and difficult to measure in numbers.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 抽象的 with 4 different question types.
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