Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Carry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "carry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
担ぐ
かつぐ (katsugu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
繰り越す
くりこす (kurikosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "carry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 担ぐ and 繰り越す.
In Japanese, 担ぐ (かつぐ (katsugu)) is typically associated with "to carry on one's shoulders; to shoulder; to hoist" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Primarily refers to carrying something heavy on one's shoulders or back. Can also colloquially mean to trick someone or to elect someone..
On the other hand, 繰り越す (くりこす (kurikosu)) maps to "to carry over (e.g., balance, leave days)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Commonly used in finance, accounting, or when managing annual leave, meaning to transfer something to the next period or year.. A literal translation of "carry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "担ぐ"
祭りで、みんなでお神輿を担いだ。
At the festival, everyone shouldered the portable shrine.
Bilingual Context for "繰り越す"
残りの有給休暇を来年に繰り越す。
To carry over the remaining paid leave to next year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "祭りで、みんなでお神輿を担いだ。" (Meaning: "At the festival, everyone shouldered the portable shrine.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "担ぐ" fits here because it means "to carry on one's shoulders; to shoulder; to hoist" in the context of: "At the festival, everyone shouldered the portable shrine.". "繰り越す" represents "to carry over (e.g., balance, leave days)".