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
悪びれる
わるびれる (warubireru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "feel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 気軽に and 悪びれる.
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, 悪びれる (わるびれる (warubireru)) maps to "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used in the negative form. 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 "悪びれる"
彼は自分が間違っていると分かっていても、全く悪びれる様子がなかった。
He showed no sign of shame, even though he knew he was wrong.
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.". "悪びれる" represents "to feel ashamed, to be timid, to be abashed".