Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
対する
たいする (taisuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
臨む
のぞむ (nozomu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 対する and 臨む.
In Japanese, 対する (たいする (taisuru)) is typically associated with "to face, to confront, to be directed at, to be in contrast to, to be regarding/concerning" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used with 「に」.
On the other hand, 臨む (のぞむ (nozomu)) maps to "to face, to attend, to stand by, to be present at, to be on the verge of, to overlook" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean to face a certain situation. A literal translation of "face" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "対する"
先生の質問に対して答えた。
I answered the teacher's question.
Bilingual Context for "臨む"
彼は難しい試験に冷静に臨んだ。
He calmly faced the difficult exam.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生の質問に対して答えた。" (Meaning: "I answered the teacher's question.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "対する" fits here because it means "to face, to confront, to be directed at, to be in contrast to, to be regarding/concerning" in the context of: "I answered the teacher's question.". "臨む" represents "to face, to attend, to stand by, to be present at, to be on the verge of, to overlook".