Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Convenience" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "convenience", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
コンビニ
コンビニ (konbini)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
都合
つごう (tsugō)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "convenience" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between コンビニ and 都合.
In Japanese, コンビニ (コンビニ (konbini)) is typically associated with "convenience store" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Short for コンビニエンスストア.
On the other hand, 都合 (つごう (tsugō)) maps to "convenience, circumstances, schedule" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used to talk about one's schedule or availability, especially when making plans or apologies. e.g., 都合がいい. A literal translation of "convenience" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "コンビニ"
コンビニでお弁当を買って食べました。
I bought a bento box at the convenience store and ate it.
Bilingual Context for "都合"
明日のご都合はいかがですか。
How is your availability tomorrow?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ でお弁当を買って食べました。" (Meaning: "I bought a bento box at the convenience store and ate it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "コンビニ" fits here because it means "convenience store" in the context of: "I bought a bento box at the convenience store and ate it.". "都合" represents "convenience, circumstances, schedule".