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
諦める
あきらめる (akirameru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "give" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between くださる and 諦める.
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, 諦める (あきらめる (akirameru)) maps to "to give up" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 努力を続けたり、何かを達成しようとすることをやめる際に使われます。. 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 "諦める"
どんなに難しくても、夢を諦めてはいけません。
No matter how difficult it is, you shouldn't give up on your dream.
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.". "諦める" represents "to give up".