Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Consideration" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "consideration", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
考慮
こうりょ (kōryo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
斟酌
しんしゃく (shinshaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "consideration" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 考慮 and 斟酌.
In Japanese, 考慮 (こうりょ (kōryo)) is typically associated with "consideration, taking into account" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal noun.
On the other hand, 斟酌 (しんしゃく (shinshaku)) maps to "consideration, allowance, discretion, taking circumstances into account" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take someone's feelings, circumstances, or situation into consideration when making a decision or judgment. Often used in polite or formal contexts.. A literal translation of "consideration" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "考慮"
その提案を慎重に考慮します。
We will carefully consider that proposal.
Bilingual Context for "斟酌"
彼の病状を斟酌して、試験を免除することにした。
Taking his medical condition into consideration, we decided to exempt him from the exam.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その提案を慎重に ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "We will carefully consider that proposal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "考慮" fits here because it means "consideration, taking into account" in the context of: "We will carefully consider that proposal.". "斟酌" represents "consideration, allowance, discretion, taking circumstances into account".