Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Conjecture" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "conjecture", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
推量
すいりょう (suiryō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
忖度
そんたく (sontaku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "conjecture" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 推量 and 忖度.
In Japanese, 推量 (すいりょう (suiryō)) is typically associated with "conjecture, guess, inference, estimation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents The act of guessing or estimating something based on available information, often implying a degree of uncertainty or an educated guess..
On the other hand, 忖度 (そんたく (sontaku)) maps to "conjecture; surmise; guessing someone's thoughts/feelings (and acting accordingly)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used when anticipating unspoken wishes or intentions and acting to fulfill them, sometimes without being asked. Can have a slightly negative connotation of excessive deference.. A literal translation of "conjecture" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "推量"
彼の気持ちを推量することは難しい。
It's difficult to guess his feelings.
Bilingual Context for "忖度"
上司の意向を忖度して、企画書を作成した。
I anticipated my boss's intentions and prepared the proposal accordingly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の気持ちを ＿＿＿ することは難しい。" (Meaning: "It's difficult to guess his feelings.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "推量" fits here because it means "conjecture, guess, inference, estimation" in the context of: "It's difficult to guess his feelings.". "忖度" represents "conjecture; surmise; guessing someone's thoughts/feelings (and acting accordingly)".