Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agony" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agony", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
懊悩
おうのう (ōnō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
煩悶
はんもん (hanmon)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agony" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 懊悩 and 煩悶.
In Japanese, 懊悩 (おうのう (ōnō)) is typically associated with "agony; mental anguish; worrying deeply; distressing worry" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep agony, mental anguish, or worrying deeply and distressingly in one's mind, often struggling to find an answer.
On the other hand, 煩悶 (はんもん (hanmon)) maps to "agony, anguish, worry, torment" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to deep mental suffering, distress, or anguish due to worries or problems. It implies a state of internal turmoil and is often used in literary or formal contexts.. A literal translation of "agony" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "懊悩"
自分が進むべきキャリアの選択について、彼は数ヶ月間にわたり_______を重ねた末、ついに起業を決意しました。
Regarding the choice of career path he should take, after repeating deep agony for several months, he finally decided to start a business.
Bilingual Context for "煩悶"
彼は将来の進路について煩悶し、眠れない日々が続いた。
He agonized over his future path, and sleepless days continued.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "自分が進むべきキャリアの選択について、彼は数ヶ月間にわたり_______を重ねた末、ついに起業を決意しました。" (Meaning: "Regarding the choice of career path he should take, after repeating deep agony for several months, he finally decided to start a business.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "懊悩" fits here because it means "agony; mental anguish; worrying deeply; distressing worry" in the context of: "Regarding the choice of career path he should take, after repeating deep agony for several months, he finally decided to start a business.". "煩悶" represents "agony, anguish, worry, torment".