Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Clue" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "clue", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手がかり
てがかり (tegakari)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
端緒
たんしょ (tansho)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "clue" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手がかり and 端緒.
In Japanese, 手がかり (てがかり (tegakari)) is typically associated with "clue, lead, hint" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a piece of information or an object that helps to solve a mystery or find something. 問題解決や物事を見つけるための情報や糸口。.
On the other hand, 端緒 (たんしょ (tansho)) maps to "clue; lead; beginning; start; origin" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to the beginning of something, often an investigation, discovery, or an opportunity that leads to something larger. It suggests a first step or a hint.. A literal translation of "clue" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手がかり"
犯人は何も手がかりを残さなかった。
The culprit left no clues.
Bilingual Context for "端緒"
この事件解決の端緒となる重要な情報が見つかった。
Important information that could be the clue to solving this case has been found.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "犯人は何も ＿＿＿ を残さなかった。" (Meaning: "The culprit left no clues.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手がかり" fits here because it means "clue, lead, hint" in the context of: "The culprit left no clues.". "端緒" represents "clue; lead; beginning; start; origin".