Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あげる
あげる (ageru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
さじを投げる
さじをなげる (saji o nageru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あげる and さじを投げる.
In Japanese, あげる (あげる (ageru)) is typically associated with "to give (to someone else)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used when the speaker or someone else gives something to another person/thing. Direction: giver → receiver.
On the other hand, さじを投げる (さじをなげる (saji o nageru)) maps to "to give up, to throw in the towel, to abandon (a difficult task/person)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Idiomatic expression. Implies giving up due to difficulty or hopelessness, often after trying for a while. It can be used for a task, a problem, or even a person. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あげる"
友達にプレゼントをあげます。
I give a present to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "さじを投げる"
何度教えても理解しないので、先生もついにさじを投げた。
Even the teacher finally gave up because no matter how many times he taught, the student wouldn't understand.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達にプレゼントをあげます。" (Meaning: "I give a present to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あげる" fits here because it means "to give (to someone else)" in the context of: "I give a present to my friend.". "さじを投げる" represents "to give up, to throw in the towel, to abandon (a difficult task/person)".