Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cry" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cry", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
泣きます
なきます (nakimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
泣く
なく (naku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cry" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 泣きます and 泣く.
In Japanese, 泣きます (なきます (nakimasu)) is typically associated with "to cry" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Verb, polite form. Refers to the act of shedding tears due to sadness, pain, or other emotions. The dictionary form is 泣く.
On the other hand, 泣く (なく (naku)) maps to "to cry, to weep" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Describes the act of shedding tears due to sadness, pain, joy, or other strong emotions.. A literal translation of "cry" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "泣きます"
子供が転んで泣きました。
The child fell and cried.
Bilingual Context for "泣く"
悲しい映画を見て、彼女は泣きました。
She cried after watching a sad movie.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供が転んで泣きました。" (Meaning: "The child fell and cried.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "泣きます" fits here because it means "to cry" in the context of: "The child fell and cried.". "泣く" represents "to cry, to weep".