Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Friendship" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "friendship", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
友情
ゆうじょう (yūjō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
親睦
しんぼく (shinboku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "friendship" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 友情 and 親睦.
In Japanese, 友情 (ゆうじょう (yūjō)) is typically associated with "friendship; fellowship" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the bond of friendship or fellowship between friends. Often used with 友情を深める.
On the other hand, 親睦 (しんぼく (shinboku)) maps to "friendship, intimacy, good fellowship" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to friendly relations and mutual understanding, often cultivated through social gatherings or activities. Commonly seen in phrases like 「親睦を深める」. A literal translation of "friendship" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "友情"
学生時代の友情は、一生の宝物になります。
Friendship from student days becomes a lifetime treasure.
Bilingual Context for "親睦"
新入社員歓迎会は、社員間の親睦を深める良い機会だ。
The new employee welcome party is a good opportunity to deepen friendship among employees.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "学生時代の ＿＿＿ は、一生の宝物になります。" (Meaning: "Friendship from student days becomes a lifetime treasure.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "友情" fits here because it means "friendship; fellowship" in the context of: "Friendship from student days becomes a lifetime treasure.". "親睦" represents "friendship, intimacy, good fellowship".