Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cover" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cover", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
被せる
かぶせる (kabuseru)
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 被せる and 賄う.
In Japanese, 被せる (かぶせる (kabuseru)) is typically associated with "to cover (with something), to put on (a hat/lid/etc.), to accuse (someone of something)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can mean physically covering something.
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 "被せる"
箱にふたを被せる。
Cover the box with a lid.
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: "箱にふたを ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Cover the box with a lid.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "被せる" fits here because it means "to cover (with something), to put on (a hat/lid/etc.), to accuse (someone of something)" in the context of: "Cover the box with a lid.". "賄う" represents "to cover (expenses); to provide (meals/supplies)".