Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compensation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compensation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
賠償
ばいしょう (baishō)
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 賠償 and 補填.
In Japanese, 賠償 (ばいしょう (baishō)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "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.
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: "事故の損害に対する ＿＿＿ 金を支払った。" (Meaning: "They paid compensation for the damages from the accident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "賠償" fits here because it means "compensation, reparation" in the context of: "They paid compensation for the damages from the accident.". "補填" represents "compensation, indemnification, make up for, supplement".