Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Act" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "act", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
行為
こうい (kōi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り次ぐ
とりつぐ (toritsugu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "act" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 行為 and 取り次ぐ.
In Japanese, 行為 (こうい (kōi)) is typically associated with "act, deed, conduct" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a specific action or deed, often with a moral, legal, or formal implication. More formal than just 「すること」..
On the other hand, 取り次ぐ (とりつぐ (toritsugu)) maps to "to act as an agent, to convey (a message), to intermediate, to transfer (a call)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 人から人へメッセージや電話などを伝える、または両者の間を仲介する際に使います。 / Used when conveying a message or call from one person to another, or when acting as an intermediary between two parties.. A literal translation of "act" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "行為"
その行為は社会的に許されない。
That act is not socially acceptable.
Bilingual Context for "取り次ぐ"
電話を社長に取り次ぐ。
Transfer the call to the president.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その ＿＿＿ は社会的に許されない。" (Meaning: "That act is not socially acceptable.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "行為" fits here because it means "act, deed, conduct" in the context of: "That act is not socially acceptable.". "取り次ぐ" represents "to act as an agent, to convey (a message), to intermediate, to transfer (a call)".