Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Admiration" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "admiration", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感嘆
かんたん (kantan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
驚嘆
きょうたん (kyoutan)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "admiration" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感嘆 and 驚嘆.
In Japanese, 感嘆 (かんたん (kantan)) is typically associated with "admiration; wonder; exclamation of praise; deeply impressed sigh" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to admiration, wonder, or letting out a deeply impressed sigh/exclamation of praise toward someone's skill, kindness, or beauty. Often used as 感嘆の声をあげる.
On the other hand, 驚嘆 (きょうたん (kyoutan)) maps to "admiration, wonder, astonishment" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Expresses a strong feeling of wonder, admiration, or surprise, often at something magnificent, beautiful, or outstanding.. A literal translation of "admiration" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感嘆"
彼女のあまりにも美しく伸びやかな歌声に、聴衆からは期せずして_______の声が漏れました。
At her incredibly beautiful and stretching singing voice, a sigh of admiration leaked unexpectedly from the audience.
Bilingual Context for "驚嘆"
彼の才能にはただ驚嘆するばかりだ。
I can only marvel at his talent.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女のあまりにも美しく伸びやかな歌声に、聴衆からは期せずして_______の声が漏れました。" (Meaning: "At her incredibly beautiful and stretching singing voice, a sigh of admiration leaked unexpectedly from the audience.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感嘆" fits here because it means "admiration; wonder; exclamation of praise; deeply impressed sigh" in the context of: "At her incredibly beautiful and stretching singing voice, a sigh of admiration leaked unexpectedly from the audience.". "驚嘆" represents "admiration, wonder, astonishment".