Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Condition" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "condition", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
具合
ぐあい (guai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
条件
じょうけん (jōken)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "condition" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 具合 and 条件.
In Japanese, 具合 (ぐあい (guai)) is typically associated with "condition, state, health" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the state, condition, or health of something or someone. Frequently used in the phrase 「具合が悪い」.
On the other hand, 条件 (じょうけん (jōken)) maps to "condition; term; requirement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a condition, term, or prerequisite for an agreement, eligibility, or state. Often used with 条件が良い. A literal translation of "condition" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "具合"
体の具合が悪いです。
I'm not feeling well. (My physical condition is bad.)
Bilingual Context for "条件"
提示された取引の条件は、十分に受け入れられるものでした。
The terms of the transaction presented were fully acceptable.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "体の ＿＿＿ が悪いです。" (Meaning: "I'm not feeling well. (My physical condition is bad.)")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "具合" fits here because it means "condition, state, health" in the context of: "I'm not feeling well. (My physical condition is bad.)". "条件" represents "condition; term; requirement".