Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compensate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compensate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
償う
つぐなう (tsugunau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
補填
ほてん (hoten)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compensate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 償う and 補填.
In Japanese, 償う (つぐなう (tsugunau)) is typically associated with "to compensate, to atone for, to make up for" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To make amends for a wrong or loss, often involving financial compensation or a gesture of apology. Implies a sense of responsibility and repayment..
On the other hand, 補填 (ほてん (hoten)) maps to "to compensate for, to make good a deficit, to cover (losses)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 不足している部分や損失を埋め合わせることを指します。金銭的な不足だけでなく、人員や時間などの不足に対しても使われます。. A literal translation of "compensate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "償う"
彼は過ちを償うために努力した。
He made an effort to atone for his mistake.
Bilingual Context for "補填"
今回の損失は、当社の準備金で補填する予定です。
We plan to cover this loss with our company's reserves.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は過ちを ＿＿＿ ために努力した。" (Meaning: "He made an effort to atone for his mistake.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "償う" fits here because it means "to compensate, to atone for, to make up for" in the context of: "He made an effort to atone for his mistake.". "補填" represents "to compensate for, to make good a deficit, to cover (losses)".