Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Enumeration" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "enumeration", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
羅列
られつ (raretsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
枚挙
まいきょ (maikyo)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "enumeration" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 羅列 and 枚挙.
In Japanese, 羅列 (られつ (raretsu)) is typically associated with "enumeration, listing" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies presenting many items, facts, or ideas one after another, often suggesting a simple listing without deep analysis or a clear structure. 多くの項目や事実を単に並べ立てることを指し、しばしば分析や構成の不足を示唆します。.
On the other hand, 枚挙 (まいきょ (maikyo)) maps to "enumeration; listing; counting one by one" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to counting or listing items one by one. Often used in the phrase 「枚挙にいとまがない」. A literal translation of "enumeration" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "羅列"
彼は証拠を羅列したが、結論は出さなかった。
He listed the evidence but didn't draw a conclusion.
Bilingual Context for "枚挙"
彼の功績は枚挙にいとまがない。
His achievements are too numerous to list.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は証拠を ＿＿＿ したが、結論は出さなかった。" (Meaning: "He listed the evidence but didn't draw a conclusion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "羅列" fits here because it means "enumeration, listing" in the context of: "He listed the evidence but didn't draw a conclusion.". "枚挙" represents "enumeration; listing; counting one by one".