Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Admire" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "admire", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
憧れる
あこがれる (akogareru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
頭が下がる
あたまがさがる (atamagasagaru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "admire" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 憧れる and 頭が下がる.
In Japanese, 憧れる (あこがれる (akogareru)) is typically associated with "to admire, to long for" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 頭が下がる (あたまがさがる (atamagasagaru)) maps to "To admire greatly" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "admire" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "憧れる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために憧れる。
Every day, I admire, to long for to practice Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "頭が下がる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために頭が下がる。
Every day, I admire greatly to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、日本語を練習するために ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Every day, I admire, to long for to practice Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "憧れる" fits here because it means "to admire, to long for" in the context of: "Every day, I admire, to long for to practice Japanese.". "頭が下がる" represents "To admire greatly".