Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Get" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "get", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あたまにくる
あたまにくる (atama ni kuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
罷り通る
まかりとおる (makaritōru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "get" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あたまにくる and 罷り通る.
In Japanese, あたまにくる (あたまにくる (atama ni kuru)) is typically associated with "to get angry, to get mad" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning "to get angry" or "to lose one's temper". It often implies a sudden surge of anger..
On the other hand, 罷り通る (まかりとおる (makaritōru)) maps to "to get away with (something), to be accepted (unjustly/despite flaws), to go unchallenged" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Often used in a somewhat critical or exasperated tone, describing a situation where something illogical, unfair, or incorrect is accepted or allowed to happen without proper challenge. It can also mean that something. A literal translation of "get" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あたまにくる"
彼の一言が原因で、私は頭に来てしまった。
His single comment made me furious.
Bilingual Context for "罷り通る"
この会社では、不正な経費申請が罷り通っているらしい。
It seems that fraudulent expense claims are going unchallenged in this company.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の一言が原因で、私は頭に来てしまった。" (Meaning: "His single comment made me furious.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あたまにくる" fits here because it means "to get angry, to get mad" in the context of: "His single comment made me furious.". "罷り通る" represents "to get away with (something), to be accepted (unjustly/despite flaws), to go unchallenged".