Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "課題" vs "克服"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
課題
かだい (kadai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
克服
こくふく (kokufuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 課題 and 克服 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
課題 (かだい (kadai)) represents "task, challenge, issue" (Level: N2) and typically represents 解決すべき問題や達成すべき目標を指します。宿題の意味でも使われますが、ビジネスや社会問題など広い範囲で使われます。Refers to a problem to be solved or a goal to be achieved. Also used for homework, but broadly applies to business, social issues, etc..
On the other hand, 克服 (こくふく (kokufuku)) translates to "overcoming, conquest" (Level: N2) and is used for 困難や障害を乗り越えて打ち勝つことを意味します。努力を伴う行為に使われます。Means to overcome and conquer difficulties or obstacles. Used for actions involving effort.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "課題"
環境問題は現代社会の大きな課題です。
Environmental issues are a major challenge for modern society.
Bilingual Sentence for "克服"
彼は病気を克服し、仕事に復帰した。
He overcame his illness and returned to work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "環境問題は現代社会の大きな ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "Environmental issues are a major challenge for modern society.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "課題" fits here because it represents "task, challenge, issue" in the context: "Environmental issues are a major challenge for modern society.".