Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Advertisement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "advertisement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
広告
こうこく (kōkoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
宣伝
せんでん (senden)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "advertisement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 広告 and 宣伝.
In Japanese, 広告 (こうこく (kōkoku)) is typically associated with "advertisement; ad" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to public advertisements in newspapers, TV, or internet. Often used with 広告を出す.
On the other hand, 宣伝 (せんでん (senden)) maps to "advertisement, publicity, propaganda" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to promoting a product, service, idea, or person to a wider audience. Can be a noun or a する-verb. A literal translation of "advertisement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "広告"
インターネットに新しい製品の広告を出しました。
We placed an advertisement for our new product on the internet.
Bilingual Context for "宣伝"
新製品を全国に宣伝するため、テレビCMを制作した。
We produced a TV commercial to advertise the new product nationwide.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "インターネットに新しい製品の ＿＿＿ を出しました。" (Meaning: "We placed an advertisement for our new product on the internet.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "広告" fits here because it means "advertisement; ad" in the context of: "We placed an advertisement for our new product on the internet.". "宣伝" represents "advertisement, publicity, propaganda".