Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Give" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "give", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
くださる
くださる (kudasaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
施す
ほどこす (hodokosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between くださる and 施す.
In Japanese, くださる (くださる (kudasaru)) is typically associated with "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Honorific form of くれる.
On the other hand, 施す (ほどこす (hodokosu)) maps to "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies giving charity, performing treatment, or applying something. A literal translation of "give" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "くださる"
部長が私に新しいプロジェクトの情報をくださった。
The department manager gave me information about the new project.
Bilingual Context for "施す"
被災者に食料と医薬品を施した。
They provided food and medicine to the disaster victims.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部長が私に新しいプロジェクトの情報をくださった。" (Meaning: "The department manager gave me information about the new project.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "くださる" fits here because it means "to give (honorific, when the giver is superior to the recipient)" in the context of: "The department manager gave me information about the new project.". "施す" represents "to give; to donate; to apply; to perform (treatment)".