Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Carry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "carry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
持ち越す
もちこす (mochikosu)
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 持ち越す and 繰り越す.
In Japanese, 持ち越す (もちこす (mochikosu)) is typically associated with "to carry over, to postpone, to defer (to the next day/month/etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when something.
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 "持ち越す"
その問題は、来週の会議に持ち越されることになった。
That issue was decided to be carried over to next week's meeting.
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: "その問題は、来週の会議に持ち越されることになった。" (Meaning: "That issue was decided to be carried over to next week's meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "持ち越す" fits here because it means "to carry over, to postpone, to defer (to the next day/month/etc.)" in the context of: "That issue was decided to be carried over to next week's meeting.". "繰り越す" represents "to carry over (e.g., balance, leave days)".