Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Emphasize" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "emphasize", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
強調
きょうちょう (kyouchou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
力説する
りきせつする (rikisetsusuru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "emphasize" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 強調 and 力説する.
In Japanese, 強調 (きょうちょう (kyouchou)) is typically associated with "emphasize, stress, highlight" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「強調」は、ある事柄や意見を特に目立たせたい時、重要性を示したい時に使われる。動詞として「〜を強調する」、名詞として「〜の強調」の形で用いる。.
On the other hand, 力説する (りきせつする (rikisetsusuru)) maps to "emphasize, insist on" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "emphasize" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "強調"
彼は会議で、この計画の重要性を強調した。
He emphasized the importance of this plan at the meeting.
Bilingual Context for "力説する"
私は力説するに興味があります。
I am interested in emphasize, insist on.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会議で、この計画の重要性を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He emphasized the importance of this plan at the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強調" fits here because it means "emphasize, stress, highlight" in the context of: "He emphasized the importance of this plan at the meeting.". "力説する" represents "emphasize, insist on".