Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
しゅんとする
しゅんとする (shun to suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
恥じる
はじる (hajiru)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between しゅんとする and 恥じる.
In Japanese, しゅんとする (しゅんとする (shun to suru)) is typically associated with "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An onomatopoeic expression describing a sudden feeling of sadness, disappointment, or dejection, often visible in one's posture, expression, or mood. It can also describe plants drooping..
On the other hand, 恥じる (はじる (hajiru)) maps to "to feel ashamed" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "しゅんとする"
先生に叱られて、子供はしゅんとしてしまった。
The child became crestfallen after being scolded by the teacher.
Bilingual Context for "恥じる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために恥じる。
Every day, I feel ashamed to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "先生に叱られて、子供はしゅんとしてしまった。" (Meaning: "The child became crestfallen after being scolded by the teacher.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "しゅんとする" fits here because it means "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop" in the context of: "The child became crestfallen after being scolded by the teacher.". "恥じる" represents "to feel ashamed".