Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Display" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "display", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誇示
こじ (koji)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
顕示
けんじ (kenji)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "display" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誇示 and 顕示.
In Japanese, 誇示 (こじ (koji)) is typically associated with "display, show off, flaunt" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies showing off something.
On the other hand, 顕示 (けんじ (kenji)) maps to "to display, to manifest, to make obvious" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Means to clearly show or manifest something, often an abstract quality, power, or hidden ability. 「見せる」よりもフォーマルで、表面に現れる、はっきりと示すといった意味合いが強い。. A literal translation of "display" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誇示"
彼は自分の知識を誇示したがる傾向がある。
He tends to flaunt his knowledge.
Bilingual Context for "顕示"
その国の指導者は、自国の軍事力を顕示した。
The leader of that country displayed its military power.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分の知識を ＿＿＿ したがる傾向がある。" (Meaning: "He tends to flaunt his knowledge.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誇示" fits here because it means "display, show off, flaunt" in the context of: "He tends to flaunt his knowledge.". "顕示" represents "to display, to manifest, to make obvious".