Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Confession" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "confession", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
打ち明け話
うちあけばなし (uchiakebanashi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
告白
こくはく (kokuhaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "confession" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 打ち明け話 and 告白.
In Japanese, 打ち明け話 (うちあけばなし (uchiakebanashi)) is typically associated with "confession, confidences, revealing one's secrets/heart" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a story or conversation where one reveals their secrets, feelings, or personal matters. Often implies a deep level of trust..
On the other hand, 告白 (こくはく (kokuhaku)) maps to "confession, acknowledgement; (love) confession" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To confess a secret, a crime, or one's true feelings. A literal translation of "confession" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "打ち明け話"
彼は私に自分の過去の打ち明け話をしてくれた。
He confided in me about his past.
Bilingual Context for "告白"
彼は彼女に愛を告白した。
He confessed his love to her.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は私に自分の過去の ＿＿＿ をしてくれた。" (Meaning: "He confided in me about his past.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "打ち明け話" fits here because it means "confession, confidences, revealing one's secrets/heart" in the context of: "He confided in me about his past.". "告白" represents "confession, acknowledgement; (love) confession".