Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Fold" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "fold", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
畳む
たたむ (tatamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
組む
くむ (kumu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "fold" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 畳む and 組む.
In Japanese, 畳む (たたむ (tatamu)) is typically associated with "to fold" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for folding clothes, blankets, umbrellas, paper, etc. Implies making something compact by folding..
On the other hand, 組む (くむ (kumu)) maps to "to fold (arms), to cross (legs), to put together, to form (a team/plan)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A versatile verb. Can mean 'to cross'. A literal translation of "fold" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "畳む"
洗濯物を畳んでください。
Please fold the laundry.
Bilingual Context for "組む"
腕を組んで考える。
I cross my arms and think.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "洗濯物を畳んでください。" (Meaning: "Please fold the laundry.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "畳む" fits here because it means "to fold" in the context of: "Please fold the laundry.". "組む" represents "to fold (arms), to cross (legs), to put together, to form (a team/plan)".