Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Consultation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "consultation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
相談
そうだん (sōdan)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
諮問
しもん (shimon)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "consultation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 相談 and 諮問.
In Japanese, 相談 (そうだん (sōdan)) is typically associated with "consultation, discussion, to consult" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun.
On the other hand, 諮問 (しもん (shimon)) maps to "consultation, inquiry" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "consultation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "相談"
困ったときは先生に相談してください。
When you're in trouble, please consult your teacher.
Bilingual Context for "諮問"
私は諮問に興味があります。
I am interested in consultation, inquiry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "困ったときは先生に ＿＿＿ してください。" (Meaning: "When you're in trouble, please consult your teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "相談" fits here because it means "consultation, discussion, to consult" in the context of: "When you're in trouble, please consult your teacher.". "諮問" represents "consultation, inquiry".