Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Feel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "feel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
気軽に
きがるに (kigaruni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
しゅんとする
しゅんとする (shun to suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気軽に and しゅんとする.
In Japanese, 気軽に (きがるに (kigaruni)) is typically associated with "feel free to; without hesitation; casually; readily" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 遠慮したり、かしこまったりせず、軽やかで自由な様子を表す副詞。.
On the other hand, しゅんとする (しゅんとする (shun to suru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "feel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "気軽に"
困ったことがあったら、気軽に相談してください。
If you have any problems, please feel free to consult me.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "困ったことがあったら、 ＿＿＿ 相談してください。" (Meaning: "If you have any problems, please feel free to consult me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "気軽に" fits here because it means "feel free to; without hesitation; casually; readily" in the context of: "If you have any problems, please feel free to consult me.". "しゅんとする" represents "to feel dejected, to look crestfallen, to droop".