Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Demonstration" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "demonstration", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
実証
じっしょう (jisshou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
示威
しい (shii)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "demonstration" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 実証 and 示威.
In Japanese, 実証 (じっしょう (jisshou)) is typically associated with "demonstration, verification, empirical proof" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 理論や仮説が正しいことを、実際のデータや実験、具体的な事例などを用いて証明するニュアンス。.
On the other hand, 示威 (しい (shii)) maps to "demonstration (of power, strength, protest), show of force" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in contexts of political protests, military actions, or showing one's strength/intention to influence others. 政治的な抗議や軍事行動、あるいは他者に影響を与えるために力や意図を示す文脈で使われます。. A literal translation of "demonstration" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "実証"
彼の仮説は実験によって実証された。
His hypothesis was demonstrated by experiment.
Bilingual Context for "示威"
労働者たちは賃上げを求めて大規模な示威行動を行った。
The workers conducted a large-scale demonstration demanding a wage increase.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の仮説は実験によって ＿＿＿ された。" (Meaning: "His hypothesis was demonstrated by experiment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "実証" fits here because it means "demonstration, verification, empirical proof" in the context of: "His hypothesis was demonstrated by experiment.". "示威" represents "demonstration (of power, strength, protest), show of force".