Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deliver" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deliver", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
届ける
とどける (todokeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
とどける
とどける (todokeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deliver" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 届ける and とどける.
In Japanese, 届ける (とどける (todokeru)) is typically associated with "to deliver, to send, to report (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 物や情報を相手のところに運んで渡すこと。他動詞。「届く」の他動詞形。/ To carry and hand over an object or information to someone. Transitive verb. The transitive form of 'todoku'..
On the other hand, とどける (とどける (todokeru)) maps to "to deliver, to send, to report" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. Refers to the act of bringing or sending something to a specific person or place, or reporting something to authorities. Intransitive is 届く. A literal translation of "deliver" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "届ける"
忘れ物を警察に届けました。
I reported (or delivered) a lost item to the police.
Bilingual Context for "とどける"
荷物を自宅まで届けます。
I will deliver the package to your home.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "忘れ物を警察に届けました。" (Meaning: "I reported (or delivered) a lost item to the police.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "届ける" fits here because it means "to deliver, to send, to report (transitive)" in the context of: "I reported (or delivered) a lost item to the police.". "とどける" represents "to deliver, to send, to report".