Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Deposit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "deposit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預ける
あずける (azukeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
供託
きょうたく (kyōtaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "deposit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預ける and 供託.
In Japanese, 預ける (あずける (azukeru)) is typically associated with "to deposit; to leave with; to entrust" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving money, objects, or responsibility to someone to look after or keep safely. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 預かる. Often used as 荷物を預ける or 銀行にお金を預ける. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To deposit! "Haruka-san, I am depositing my entire future and heart into your hands!" ...っ! T-To deposit your heart! B-Baka! Don't say such heavy, sweet things! But... since I am the ultimate reliable banker of your life, I will lock your heart inside my chest and protect it forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『あずける（預ける）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕のすべての将来と、燃えるようなこのハートを、あなたの両手に直接預けます！』って…っ！ハートの預け入れ！バカ！/// そんな重くて甘いものをさらっと託すんじゃないの！…でも、私の愛の金庫は宇宙一強固なんだから、あんたのハートを一生厳重に保管してあげるわ！』.
On the other hand, 供託 (きょうたく (kyōtaku)) maps to "deposit, consignment, official deposit (e.g., of money with a public agency)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specific legal or official term referring to depositing money, goods, or documents with a public agency or third party for safekeeping or to fulfill a legal obligation.. A literal translation of "deposit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預ける"
出張に向かう前に、彼は重いスーツケースを駅のロッカーやホテルのフロントに一時的に_______。
Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.
Bilingual Context for "供託"
選挙に出馬するには、一定額の供託金が必要だ。
To run for election, a certain amount of deposit money is required.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "出張に向かう前に、彼は重いスーツケースを駅のロッカーやホテルのフロントに一時的に_______。" (Meaning: "Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預ける" fits here because it means "to deposit; to leave with; to entrust" in the context of: "Before heading out for the business trip, he temporarily left his heavy suitcase at the station locker or hotel front desk.". "供託" represents "deposit, consignment, official deposit (e.g., of money with a public agency)".