Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Experience" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "experience", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
経験
けいけん (keiken)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
体験
たいけん (taiken)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "experience" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 経験 and 体験.
In Japanese, 経験 (けいけん (keiken)) is typically associated with "experience" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Knowledge or skill acquired over a period of time, or an event or occurrence that has happened to someone. 実際に何かをしたり、見たりして得た知識や技術、またはその出来事自体を指します。.
On the other hand, 体験 (たいけん (taiken)) maps to "experience (noun), to experience (する verb)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a personal, direct experience. Can be used as a noun or as a する-verb. A literal translation of "experience" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "経験"
彼は仕事の経験が豊富です。
He has a lot of work experience.
Bilingual Context for "体験"
日本で初めて茶道の体験をしました。
I had my first tea ceremony experience in Japan.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は仕事の ＿＿＿ が豊富です。" (Meaning: "He has a lot of work experience.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "経験" fits here because it means "experience" in the context of: "He has a lot of work experience.". "体験" represents "experience (noun), to experience (する verb)".