Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Candidate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "candidate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
候補
こうほ (kouho)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
候補者
こうほしゃ (kouhosha)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "candidate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 候補 and 候補者.
In Japanese, 候補 (こうほ (kouho)) is typically associated with "candidate, nominee, applicant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents ある役職、賞、あるいは選択肢などに対して、選ばれる可能性のある人や物。A person or thing that is likely to be chosen for a certain position, award, or as an option..
On the other hand, 候補者 (こうほしゃ (kouhosha)) maps to "candidate" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "candidate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "候補"
彼は次の市長の有力な候補だ。
He is a strong candidate for the next mayor.
Bilingual Context for "候補者"
私は候補者に興味があります。
I am interested in candidate.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は次の市長の有力な ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "He is a strong candidate for the next mayor.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "候補" fits here because it means "candidate, nominee, applicant" in the context of: "He is a strong candidate for the next mayor.". "候補者" represents "candidate".