Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Choose" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "choose", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
選択する
せんたくする (sentaku suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見計らう
みはからう (mihakarau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "choose" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 選択する and 見計らう.
In Japanese, 選択する (せんたくする (sentaku suru)) is typically associated with "to choose; to select" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A more formal way to say "choose" than 選ぶ.
On the other hand, 見計らう (みはからう (mihakarau)) maps to "to choose the right time, to select an appropriate moment" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 状況や都合を考慮して、最も適切な時期やタイミングを選ぶことです。行動の時期を測るニュアンスがあります。. A literal translation of "choose" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "選択する"
どちらの道を選択しますか。
Which path will you choose?
Bilingual Context for "見計らう"
相手の都合の良い時間を見計らって電話をかけた。
I called, choosing a time convenient for the other person.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どちらの道を選択しますか。" (Meaning: "Which path will you choose?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "選択する" fits here because it means "to choose; to select" in the context of: "Which path will you choose?". "見計らう" represents "to choose the right time, to select an appropriate moment".