Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Achievement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "achievement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手柄
てがら (tegara)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
功績
こうせき (kōseki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "achievement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手柄 and 功績.
In Japanese, 手柄 (てがら (tegara)) is typically associated with "achievement, exploit, distinguished service" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 素晴らしい功績や業績、特に他人や組織に貢献した際の実績を指します。賞賛に値する行為。.
On the other hand, 功績 (こうせき (kōseki)) maps to "achievement, meritorious deed, distinguished service" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to great achievements or accomplishments that contribute significantly to an organization, society, or country. Often used in formal contexts like evaluations or historical records. 「組織や社会、国などに対して大きく貢献した、素晴らしい手柄や業績」という意味で使われます。. A literal translation of "achievement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手柄"
彼は今回のプロジェクトで大きな手柄を立てた。
He achieved a great accomplishment in this project.
Bilingual Context for "功績"
彼の長年の研究が、医学界に多大な功績を残した。
His many years of research left a great achievement in the medical field.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は今回のプロジェクトで大きな ＿＿＿ を立てた。" (Meaning: "He achieved a great accomplishment in this project.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手柄" fits here because it means "achievement, exploit, distinguished service" in the context of: "He achieved a great accomplishment in this project.". "功績" represents "achievement, meritorious deed, distinguished service".