Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Get" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "get", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
痩せる
やせる (yaseru)
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 痩せる and 罷り通る.
In Japanese, 痩せる (やせる (yaseru)) is typically associated with "to get thin, to lose weight" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes the act of becoming thin or losing body weight. Can be intentional.
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 "痩せる"
運動をして痩せました。
I exercised and lost weight.
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: "運動をして痩せました。" (Meaning: "I exercised and lost weight.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "痩せる" fits here because it means "to get thin, to lose weight" in the context of: "I exercised and lost weight.". "罷り通る" represents "to get away with (something), to be accepted (unjustly/despite flaws), to go unchallenged".