Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Donation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "donation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
贈与
ぞうよ (zōyo)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
出捐
しゅっえん (shutten)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "donation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 贈与 and 出捐.
In Japanese, 贈与 (ぞうよ (zōyo)) is typically associated with "donation, gift, grant (especially in a formal or legal context)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents More formal and often carries legal or administrative implications compared to common words for gifts.
On the other hand, 出捐 (しゅっえん (shutten)) maps to "donation / contribution (legal)" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "donation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "贈与"
彼は大学に多額の寄付金を贈与した。
He donated a large sum of money to the university.
Bilingual Context for "出捐"
私は出捐に興味があります。
I am interested in donation / contribution (legal).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は大学に多額の寄付金を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He donated a large sum of money to the university.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "贈与" fits here because it means "donation, gift, grant (especially in a formal or legal context)" in the context of: "He donated a large sum of money to the university.". "出捐" represents "donation / contribution (legal)".