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How to say 'Illusion' or 'Fantasy' in Japanese | 幻想

Wondering how to say 'Illusion' or 'Fantasy' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Illusion or Fantasy is 'Gensou', written as 幻想 in Japanese.'Illusion' or 'Fantasy' in hiragana is げんそう.

    word

    幻想

    Meaning

    Illusion, Fantasy

    Reading

    げんそう

    gensou

    Kanji

    Illusion Concept

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '幻想 (げんそう)' can mean both 'illusion' and 'fantasy', depending on the context. It refers to something that is imagined or perceived but not real. When used to mean 'illusion', it often describes a deceptive or misleading perception. For example: he lives in an illusion「彼は幻想の中に生きている」(かれはげんそうのなかにいきている). When used to mean 'fantasy', it refers to a creative or imaginative idea. For example: her story is full of fantasy「彼女の物語は幻想に満ちている」(かのじょのものがたりはげんそうにみちている). The word is commonly used in literature, art, and discussions about perception versus reality.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    8

    Frequency

    6303

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 幻想

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Illusion

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Concept

Words Related to 幻想 Through the Kanji

These 11 Words contain the Kanji 想 as well.

  • word

    思想

    Meaning

    Thought, Ideology

  • word

    理想

    Meaning

    Ideal

  • word

    発想

    Meaning

    Idea

  • word

    空想

    Meaning

    Daydream

  • word

    可哀想

    Meaning

    Pitiful

  • word

    構想

    Meaning

    Plan, Conception

  • word

    想定

    Meaning

    Assumption

  • word

    感想

    Meaning

    Impression

  • word

    予想

    Meaning

    Expectation, Prediction

  • word

    想像

    Meaning

    Conception, Imagination

  • word

    連想

    Meaning

    Association

Learn the Word 幻想

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Gensou' (幻想) mean?

'Gensou' means 'Illusion' or 'Fantasy' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.