Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compensation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compensation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
補償
ほしょう (hoshou)
N2 / 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 補償 and 補填.
In Japanese, 補償 (ほしょう (hoshou)) is typically associated with "compensation, indemnity" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to payment or recompense for damage, loss, or injury, often under legal or contractual obligation..
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 "補償"
事故による損害に対して、保険会社から補償金が支払われた。
Compensation was paid by the insurance company for the damages caused by the accident.
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: "事故による損害に対して、保険会社から ＿＿＿ 金が支払われた。" (Meaning: "Compensation was paid by the insurance company for the damages caused by the accident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "補償" fits here because it means "compensation, indemnity" in the context of: "Compensation was paid by the insurance company for the damages caused by the accident.". "補填" represents "compensation, indemnification, make up for, supplement".