Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Circulation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "circulation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
回覧
かいらん (kairan)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
供覧
きょうらん (kyouran)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "circulation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 回覧 and 供覧.
In Japanese, 回覧 (かいらん (kairan)) is typically associated with "circulation, passing around (of documents/notices)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Usually refers to written materials.
On the other hand, 供覧 (きょうらん (kyouran)) maps to "circulation for inspection" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "circulation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "回覧"
そのお知らせは、職場で回覧された。
That notice was circulated at work.
Bilingual Context for "供覧"
私は供覧に興味があります。
I am interested in circulation for inspection.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "そのお知らせは、職場で ＿＿＿ された。" (Meaning: "That notice was circulated at work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "回覧" fits here because it means "circulation, passing around (of documents/notices)" in the context of: "That notice was circulated at work.". "供覧" represents "circulation for inspection".