実証（じっしょう、jiっshou）
- proof

The Japanese word 実証 (じっしょう) means to prove something by demonstration, to verify, or to substantiate. It involves providing evidence to confirm the truth or validity of a claim, theory, or hypothesis. This often involves practical testing, experiments, or the presentation of concrete data. The core idea is to move beyond mere belief or assumption and to establish something as fact. The word can be used both as a noun and as a verb.

⚫︎ 新しい理論を実験で 実証 する。 Translation: To [verify] the new theory through experiments. ⚫︎ その証拠は彼の無罪を 実証 している。 Translation: That evidence [proves] his innocence. ⚫︎ 効果を 実証 するために、臨床試験が必要だ。 Translation: Clinical trials are needed to [demonstrate] the effectiveness.

You use 実証 when you want to emphasize the process of proving something through concrete evidence or demonstration. It's often used in academic, scientific, legal, and business contexts where verifiable facts are crucial. You can use it in a formal or semi-formal setting.

⚫︎ The word is written using the kanji 実 (じつ - truth, reality) and 証 (しょう - proof, evidence). ⚫︎ Hiragana: じっしょう ⚫︎ The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

⚫︎ 証明 (しょうめい) - proof, demonstration ⚫︎ 検証 (けんしょう) - verification, inspection ⚫︎ 立証 (りっしょう) - proof, substantiation (often used in legal contexts) ⚫︎ 確認 (かくにん) - confirmation

⚫︎ 推測 (すいそく) - speculation, conjecture ⚫︎ 仮説 (かせつ) - hypothesis ⚫︎ 憶測 (おくそく) - guess, speculation

科学者は、その新薬の効果を 実証 するために、多くの研究を行いました。 ・Translation: The scientists conducted many studies to [prove] the effectiveness of the new drug. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 実証 is used in a scientific context to show that something works.

彼は自分の主張を 実証 するために、詳細なデータを示した。 ・Translation: He showed detailed data to [substantiate] his claim. ・Explanation: This sentence shows the use of 実証 to confirm someone's claim by providing concrete data.

The kanji 実 (じつ) originally depicted "fruit" or "reality," later extending to mean "truth" and "substance." The kanji 証 (しょう) represents "evidence" or "proof." Together, 実証 implies the act of bringing something into reality or confirming it with concrete evidence.