Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Advice" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "advice", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
忠告
ちゅうこく (chūkoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
進言
しんげん (shingen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "advice" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 忠告 and 進言.
In Japanese, 忠告 (ちゅうこく (chūkoku)) is typically associated with "advice, warning" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies strong advice or a warning, given to prevent mistakes or danger..
On the other hand, 進言 (しんげん (shingen)) maps to "advice, suggestion, recommendation (especially to a superior)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often implies giving advice or a proposal to someone of higher status or authority.. A literal translation of "advice" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "忠告"
医者の忠告を聞いて、生活習慣を改めた。
I listened to the doctor's advice and changed my lifestyle.
Bilingual Context for "進言"
彼は上司に進言した。
He gave advice to his boss.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "医者の ＿＿＿ を聞いて、生活習慣を改めた。" (Meaning: "I listened to the doctor's advice and changed my lifestyle.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "忠告" fits here because it means "advice, warning" in the context of: "I listened to the doctor's advice and changed my lifestyle.". "進言" represents "advice, suggestion, recommendation (especially to a superior)".