Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Calculate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "calculate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
計算する
けいさんする (keisan suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
割り出す
わりだす (waridasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "calculate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 計算する and 割り出す.
In Japanese, 計算する (けいさんする (keisan suru)) is typically associated with "to calculate; to count; to compute" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Also used metaphorically for considering costs or benefits..
On the other hand, 割り出す (わりだす (waridasu)) maps to "to calculate, to deduce, to infer, to determine" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 既知の情報やデータから、計算や推論によって未知の数や結論を導き出すことを指す。. A literal translation of "calculate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "計算する"
電卓を使って、合計金額を計算してください。
Please calculate the total amount using a calculator.
Bilingual Context for "割り出す"
過去のデータから、今年の売上を割り出す。
We will deduce this year's sales from past data.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電卓を使って、合計金額を計算してください。" (Meaning: "Please calculate the total amount using a calculator.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "計算する" fits here because it means "to calculate; to count; to compute" in the context of: "Please calculate the total amount using a calculator.". "割り出す" represents "to calculate, to deduce, to infer, to determine".