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
苦悶
くもん (kumon)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agony" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 懊悩 and 苦悶.
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, 苦悶 (くもん (kumon)) maps to "agony, anguish, suffering, torment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to deep mental or physical suffering, often accompanied by visible signs of distress.. 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 "苦悶"
彼は事故の痛みに苦悶の表情を浮かべた。
He showed an expression of agony from the pain of the accident.
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.". "苦悶" represents "agony, anguish, suffering, torment".