Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Analogy" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "analogy", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
類推
るいすい (ruisui)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
比喩
ひゆ (hiyu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "analogy" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 類推 and 比喩.
In Japanese, 類推 (るいすい (ruisui)) is typically associated with "analogy, inference by analogy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents The act of reasoning by comparing two similar things and inferring that if they are alike in some respects, they will be alike in others. Often used in academic or logical contexts..
On the other hand, 比喩 (ひゆ (hiyu)) maps to "analogy; metaphor; figure of speech" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A literary device or way of speaking where one thing is compared to another to explain or describe it more clearly.. A literal translation of "analogy" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "類推"
彼の議論は類推に基づいていた。
His argument was based on analogy.
Bilingual Context for "比喩"
詩には美しい比喩表現が数多く用いられている。
Many beautiful metaphors are used in the poem.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の議論は ＿＿＿ に基づいていた。" (Meaning: "His argument was based on analogy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "類推" fits here because it means "analogy, inference by analogy" in the context of: "His argument was based on analogy.". "比喩" represents "analogy; metaphor; figure of speech".