The Japanese phrase ある意味 means:
- in a sense
- in some way
- to an extent
- In a manner of speaking
About ある意味
"ある意味、…" is used to look at a situation from a specific perspective. It is similar to English phrases like "in a certain sense" or "in some respects". This usage allows the speaker to provide a nuanced or subjective take on the situation.
It can be used in contexts like "ある意味、天才" which translates to "Genius, in a certain sense." In other words, the person labeled “genius” did something most would consider foolish but by thinking of the action in a certain way, you could make the argument, in a certain sense, it was “genius.”
Similarly, you can take something that isn’t exactly true but draw some truth from it.
ある意味、それは真実なんだ。
That’s true in a sense.
Sarcastic Usages
It is often used in a ironic or sarcastic sense.
For example, what child has not been traumatized when Bambi’s mother gets it?
「子鹿のバンビ」はある意味、ホラー映画だよね。
In a sense, you could call Bambi a horror movie, couldn’t you?
Or when your friend fails his test, but flunks in a spectacular fashion:
テストで全問を間違えたなんて、ある意味すごいことだ。
Getting every single question wrong on the test is, in a certain sense, an impressive feat.
Examples
This kind of somewhat difficult to understand phrase is best learned through examples. Here are a few longer examples that give a context for the reason for the ある意味 meaning. If you are a Makoto+ member, see this link for many more examples!
ある意味で、私たちはすべて旅人だ。人生という旅を経験しているからだ。
In a certain sense, we are all travelers. It's because we are experiencing the journey of life.
Vocabulary
この古い家はある意味で、美しい。歴史と魅力が感じられるからだ。
This old house is beautiful in a way. It's because you can feel its history and charm.
Vocabulary
Want more example sentences?
Makoto+ members can unlock several more all with vocabulary breakdowns.
Makoto+ Members, click here to download all the sound files and PDF with many more example sentences broken down and explained. Practice makes perfect!
And... we have ある意味 t-shirts!
Don't just study 「ある意味」, wear it!
Now that you know the meaning, have fun explaining it to others when they ask about your shirt. A great conversation starter!
「ある意味、天才」 “I’m a genius! In a way.”
「私は金持ちだ！ある意味で」 “I’m rich! In a sense.”
「私は頭がいい！ある意味で」 I’m very smart... to some extent.”
