Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compensation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compensation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
弁償
べんしょう (benshou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
補填
ほてん (hoten)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compensation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弁償 and 補填.
In Japanese, 弁償 (べんしょう (benshou)) is typically associated with "compensation, indemnification, reparation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To compensate for damage, loss, or injury caused to someone. Often involves monetary payment..
On the other hand, 補填 (ほてん (hoten)) maps to "compensation, indemnification, make up for, supplement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in business, finance, or formal contexts when making up for a deficit, loss, or shortfall, or to supplement something that is insufficient.. A literal translation of "compensation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "弁償"
壊してしまった物を弁償します。
I will compensate for the item I broke.
Bilingual Context for "補填"
会社は顧客の損害を補填した。
The company compensated for the customer's damages.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "壊してしまった物を ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "I will compensate for the item I broke.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "弁償" fits here because it means "compensation, indemnification, reparation" in the context of: "I will compensate for the item I broke.". "補填" represents "compensation, indemnification, make up for, supplement".