Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Endure" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "endure", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
凌ぐ
しのぐ (shinogu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
たえて
たえて (taete)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "endure" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 凌ぐ and たえて.
In Japanese, 凌ぐ (しのぐ (shinogu)) is typically associated with "to endure, to brave, to get over, to tide over, to surpass" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 困難や苦境を乗り越える、または、他よりも優れていることを表す他動詞です。/ A transitive verb meaning to overcome difficulties or hardships, or to excel/surpass others..
On the other hand, たえて (たえて (taete)) maps to "endure, bear, put up with, withstand (て-form of 堪える)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 「堪える（たえる）」のて形。困難や苦痛、感情などを我慢したり、乗り越えたりする際に使われます。Often used with other verbs like 「～に堪えない. A literal translation of "endure" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "凌ぐ"
寒い冬を暖炉の火で凌いだ。
We endured the cold winter with the fireplace.
Bilingual Context for "たえて"
厳しい寒さに堪えて、彼は山頂を目指した。
Enduring the severe cold, he aimed for the mountain summit.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "寒い冬を暖炉の火で凌いだ。" (Meaning: "We endured the cold winter with the fireplace.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "凌ぐ" fits here because it means "to endure, to brave, to get over, to tide over, to surpass" in the context of: "We endured the cold winter with the fireplace.". "たえて" represents "endure, bear, put up with, withstand (て-form of 堪える)".