Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agony" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agony", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
苦悩
くのう (kunō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
懊悩
おうのう (ōnō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agony" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 苦悩 and 懊悩.
In Japanese, 苦悩 (くのう (kunō)) is typically associated with "agony; anguish; suffering; mental distress" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep agony, anguish, suffering, or mental distress due to difficult circumstances, ethical dilemmas, or pain. Often used as 苦悩に満ちた.
On the other hand, 懊悩 (おうのう (ōnō)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "agony" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "苦悩"
紛争地域の難民たちが直面している飢餓と_______の現実に、世界中の人々が支援の声をあげました。
At the reality of starvation and suffering faced by the refugees in the conflict area, people around the world raised voices of support.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "紛争地域の難民たちが直面している飢餓と_______の現実に、世界中の人々が支援の声をあげました。" (Meaning: "At the reality of starvation and suffering faced by the refugees in the conflict area, people around the world raised voices of support.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "苦悩" fits here because it means "agony; anguish; suffering; mental distress" in the context of: "At the reality of starvation and suffering faced by the refugees in the conflict area, people around the world raised voices of support.". "懊悩" represents "agony; mental anguish; worrying deeply; distressing worry".