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
苦渋
くじゅう (kujuu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agony" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 懊悩 and 苦渋.
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, 苦渋 (くじゅう (kujuu)) maps to "agony, bitter distress, anguish" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Expresses deep mental suffering or anguish, often stemming from having to make a difficult or painful decision. Frequently used with 「の選択」. 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 "苦渋"
彼は苦渋の表情で、その決断を下した。
He made that decision with an expression of bitter distress.
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.". "苦渋" represents "agony, bitter distress, anguish".