Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Entrust" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "entrust", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
預ける
預ける (azukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
委ねる
ゆだねる (yudaneru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "entrust" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 預ける and 委ねる.
In Japanese, 預ける (預ける (azukeru)) is typically associated with "to entrust, to deposit, to check (luggage)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To leave something.
On the other hand, 委ねる (ゆだねる (yudaneru)) maps to "to entrust, to leave to, to commit to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 責任や判断、決定などを他人に任せる、任せきりにするという意味。重要な事柄に使うことが多い。. A literal translation of "entrust" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "預ける"
銀行にお金を預けました。
I deposited money at the bank.
Bilingual Context for "委ねる"
その計画の成否は、彼の手腕に委ねられた。
The success or failure of that plan was entrusted to his skill.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "銀行にお金を預けました。" (Meaning: "I deposited money at the bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "預ける" fits here because it means "to entrust, to deposit, to check (luggage)" in the context of: "I deposited money at the bank.". "委ねる" represents "to entrust, to leave to, to commit to".