Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bring" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bring", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
寄せる
よせる (yoseru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もたらす
もたらす (motarasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bring" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 寄せる and もたらす.
In Japanese, 寄せる (よせる (yoseru)) is typically associated with "to bring near, to gather, to move closer" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物理的に物や人を近づける、または考えや感情を集める場合によく使われます。例：車を路肩に寄せる、思いを寄せる。 / Often used for physically moving things or people closer, or for gathering abstract things like thoughts or feelings. E.g., to pull a car to the side of the road, to harbor feelings for someone..
On the other hand, もたらす (もたらす (motarasu)) maps to "to bring about, to cause, to result in, to introduce" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for abstract things like results, effects, changes, or benefits/disadvantages. It's more formal than 持っていく. 例: 利益をもたらす. A literal translation of "bring" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "寄せる"
彼は窓から景色を見るために、椅子を窓際に寄せた。
He moved the chair closer to the window to see the view.
Bilingual Context for "もたらす"
その新しい政策は社会に大きな変化をもたらした。
The new policy brought about significant changes in society.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は窓から景色を見るために、椅子を窓際に寄せた。" (Meaning: "He moved the chair closer to the window to see the view.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "寄せる" fits here because it means "to bring near, to gather, to move closer" in the context of: "He moved the chair closer to the window to see the view.". "もたらす" represents "to bring about, to cause, to result in, to introduce".