Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cover" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cover", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
覆う
おおう (oou)
N2 / 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 覆う and 賄う.
In Japanese, 覆う (おおう (oou)) is typically associated with "to cover, to hide, to wrap" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe covering something physically, often completely, or metaphorically, like hiding a fact. 表面全体を何かで覆い隠すニュアンスがあります。.
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 "覆う"
彼は両手で顔を覆って泣いた。
He covered his face with both hands and cried.
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: "彼は両手で顔を覆って泣いた。" (Meaning: "He covered his face with both hands and cried.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "覆う" fits here because it means "to cover, to hide, to wrap" in the context of: "He covered his face with both hands and cried.". "賄う" represents "to cover (expenses); to provide (meals/supplies)".