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
賠償
ばいしょう (baishō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compensation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弁償 and 賠償.
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, 賠償 (ばいしょう (baishō)) maps to "compensation, reparation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 損害を与えたことに対する金銭的な償いを意味します。法律や契約の文脈でよく用いられます。It refers to monetary compensation for damages caused, often used in legal or contractual contexts.. 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 "賠償"
事故の損害に対する賠償金を支払った。
They paid compensation for the damages from the accident.
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.". "賠償" represents "compensation, reparation".