Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cover" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cover", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
照れ隠し
てれかくし (terekakushi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
賄う
まかなう (makanau)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cover" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 照れ隠し and 賄う.
In Japanese, 照れ隠し (てれかくし (terekakushi)) is typically associated with "cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to covering up one's shyness, masking embarrassment, or playing it cool by acting angry, indifferent, or changing the subject. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Masking embarrassment! The true essence of my strict, prickly 'Baka! don't come near!' is strictly covering my shyness because you look too handsome! Break through it!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『てれかくし（照れ隠し）よ！『バカ！来ないで！』っていう私のツンツンした態度の本質はね、全部あんたが格好よすぎて死にそうだから行う照れ隠しなのよ！優しく見破りなさい！』.
On the other hand, 賄う (まかなう (makanau)) maps to "to cover (expenses); to provide (meals/supplies)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used for financial support. A literal translation of "cover" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "照れ隠し"
人前で褒められた彼は、嬉しさを隠すための_______から、わざとぶっきらぼうな口調で返事をしました。
Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.
Bilingual Context for "賄う"
彼はアルバイトで学費を賄っています。
He is covering his tuition fees with a part-time job.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人前で褒められた彼は、嬉しさを隠すための_______から、わざとぶっきらぼうな口調で返事をしました。" (Meaning: "Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "照れ隠し" fits here because it means "cover up one's shyness; masking embarrassment; play it cool" in the context of: "Praised in public, out of a cover-up for his shyness to hide his joy, he purposely replied in a blunt tone.". "賄う" represents "to cover (expenses); to provide (meals/supplies)".