🦅 Project Eagle
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

経験する

けいけんする (keiken suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "experience" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 経験 and 経験する. 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, 経験する (けいけんする (keiken suru)) maps to "to experience, to undergo" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This is a する-verb meaning 'to experience' or 'to undergo'. It's commonly used for various types of experiences, such as travel, work, or new cultures. For nouns, you can use 経験. 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 "経験する"
私は日本でたくさんの素晴らしい経験をしました。
I had many wonderful experiences 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.". "経験する" represents "to experience, to undergo".