Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compensate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compensate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
補う
おぎなう (oginau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
償う
つぐなう (tsugunau)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compensate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 補う and 償う.
In Japanese, 補う (おぎなう (oginau)) is typically associated with "to compensate for, to make up for, to supplement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used when something is lacking or insufficient, and you need to add to it or substitute for it..
On the other hand, 償う (つぐなう (tsugunau)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "compensate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "補う"
睡眠不足を補うために、週末はたくさん寝た。
To compensate for lack of sleep, I slept a lot on the weekend.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "睡眠不足を ＿＿＿ ために、週末はたくさん寝た。" (Meaning: "To compensate for lack of sleep, I slept a lot on the weekend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "補う" fits here because it means "to compensate for, to make up for, to supplement" in the context of: "To compensate for lack of sleep, I slept a lot on the weekend.". "償う" represents "to compensate, to atone for, to make up for".