Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Appeal" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "appeal", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
控訴
こうそ (kōso)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
働きかける
はたらきかける (hatarakikakeru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "appeal" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 控訴 and 働きかける.
In Japanese, 控訴 (こうそ (kōso)) is typically associated with "appeal (to a higher court)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A legal term. Refers to formally requesting a higher court to review a lower court's decision. Often used with する.
On the other hand, 働きかける (はたらきかける (hatarakikakeru)) maps to "to appeal to, to influence" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "appeal" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "控訴"
彼は判決に不服として控訴した。
He appealed the verdict because he was dissatisfied with it.
Bilingual Context for "働きかける"
毎日、日本語を練習するために働きかける。
Every day, I appeal to, to influence to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は判決に不服として ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He appealed the verdict because he was dissatisfied with it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "控訴" fits here because it means "appeal (to a higher court)" in the context of: "He appealed the verdict because he was dissatisfied with it.". "働きかける" represents "to appeal to, to influence".